

^■H 





THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



ON SOUTH AFRICAN 
AFFAIRS 



THE TRANSVAAL FROM WITHIN. 

By J. P. Fitzhatrick:. Demy 8vo, cloth, 
ioj-. net. Popular Edition, cloth, 2s. 6d. 
net. People's Edition, paper, 6d. net. 

WHY KRUGER MADE WAR; Or, 

Behind the Boer Scenes. By John 
A. Buttery, late of the Standard and 
Diggers News, Johannesburg. 1 vol., 
crown 8vo, 3 J. 6d. Second Impression. 

THE RISE AND FALL OF KRU- 
GERISM. By John Scobi.e and H. R. 
Abf.rcroiubie. Demy 8vo, cloth extra, 
iar. net. Popular Edition, 2s. 6d. net. 

THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSPI- 
RACY; Or, The Aims of Afrikan- 
derdoh. By Fred. W. Bell, F.S.S. 
Demy 8vo, cloth extra, 5s. net. 

TEN MONTHS IN THE FIELD 
WITH THE BOERS. By an Ex- 
Lieutenant of General Villebois-Mareuil. 
With Map and Portrait Crown 8vo, 
cloth extra, 3s. 6d, 



LONDON : WILLIAM HEINEMANN 

21 BEDFORD STREET, W.C. 




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THE 



NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



ITS VALUE AND DEVELOPMENT 



BY 



W. BLELOCH 



WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND DIAGRAMS 





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AUTHOR'S NOTE 

After so many books dealing with South Africa have been 
brought before the British people it may be thought that the 
subject has been exhausted, but the volumes that have hitherto 
appeared have been mainly concerned with the War and the 
past. The present book looks to the future. The title, " The 
New South Africa," has been chosen because it best indicates 
the purpose, viz. to show the Empire's new field of enterprise 
in the Colonies recently acquired, to describe their vast re- 
sources, and point out their possibilities under free develop- 
ment by vigorous British communities. In the abstract the 
title is equally suitable. The changes which will ensue 
through enlightened government in the Transvaal will be so 
great, that they will affect the older Colonies as well. All 
will share in the coming progress. Not alone will a new 
Transvaal and a new Orange River Colony be created, but 
there will be a new South Africa. 

This subject is of the utmost importance to the new 
Colonies, and of almost equal importance to the Empire ; and 
the facts and ideas put forward, roughly and inadequately 
expressed as they may be, are presented in the hope that 
they will gain the interest not only of South Africans, but 
also of the people of Great and Greater Britain. 

Before letting the book leave my hands I desire to thank 
all friends who have assisted me, those who have made actual 
contributions, and others who have placed at my disposal 
valuable information and documents. My thanks are specially 
due to : — 

Mr. David Draper, E.G.S., Secretary of the Geological 



vi AUTHOR'S NOTE 

Society of South Africa, who has written the chapter upon 
the Mineral Resources of the Transvaal other than Gold and 
Coal, and furnished the geological sections of the Witwaters- 
rand, with accompanying description. 

Mr. Minett E. Frames, F.G.S., who has provided the 
geological plan of the Southern Transvaal. 

Mr. W. P. Fraser of Johannesburg, for several contribu- 
tions on the land settlement and Swaziland. 

Messrs. J. C. Minnaar and H. W. Schneider of Pretoria, 
for land statistics and information about tropical agriculture. 

Mr. G. J. Fraser, and Messrs. Austin, Bateman, Barlow, 
Christie, and Hornby and Daubney of Bloemfontein, for infor- 
mation and statistics regarding the Orange River Colony. 

Messrs. Usher, Adamson, and Barry of Pretoria; and 
Messrs. L. E. B. Homan and H. Solomon of Johannesburg ; 
Mr. Neser, Klerksdorp ; and Mr. A. P. Green of London, 
formerly Ceylon, foi general advice and assistance. 

Mr. E. Mendelssohn iui giving free permission to quote 
from the Johannesburg Standard and Diggers 1 News. 

Mr. W. Henderson Clark of the Anglo-French Explora- 
tion Company, for the set of photographs illustrating the 
process of gold-mining on the Rand. 

Mr. A. Cooper Key, who has rendered invaluable help in 
the compilation of statistics (especially Appendix A), and in 
the final arrangement of the book. 

The attention of those interested in immigration is directed 

to Appendices G and K. 



2 Lonsdale Terrace, Edinburgh, 
■$oik April 1 90 1. 



PAGE 
I 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I 

Introductory ..•••••• 

In the Transvaal— The Orange River Colony. 

CHAPTER II 

The Witwatersrand Goldfield 9 

Birth of the industry— Geological features— Its value— Nearly 
2900 millions— Deep-deep levels— Comparison with pro- 
ducing deep levels— Reduction of working costs— Rate of 
production — Conclusion. 

CHAPTER III 

"The Greater Rand" 39 

Eastern extension— Western extension. 

CHAPTER IV 

Quartz Reef Districts 4 5 

Lydenburg— Barberton or De Kaap— Swaziland— General 
remarks on the Barberton District— The Northern Gold- 
fields — Zoutpansberg — The Murchison Gold Belt - 
Pretoria— Other goldfields. 

CHAPTER V 

The Monopoly in Gold 5 8 

Features of the Gold Law— Effects of the Cold Law -The 
Capitalists and the late Government— Further effects of 
the Gold Law— Incidence of the Law upon poor mines. 



\n 



viii CONTENTS 



CHAPTER VI 

PAGE 

Changes Required in the Gold Law .... 84 

The advisability of non-interference with the present titles to 
gold rights already given out by the late Government — 
The advisability of changing the law with regard to all 
properties where the gold is still in the hands of the 
Government, and changing it so as to bring about a rapid 
development of new mines and new districts in the manner 
best calculated to benefit People and Government. 



CHAPTER VII 

Bewaarplaatsen and other Government Gold Pro- 
perties 

Bewaarplaatsen — List of Bewaarplaatsen and water rights — 
Estimate of value — Treatment of this asset — Other 
Government gold areas. 



CHAPTER VIII 

The Coalfields ....... 

Coal districts— Necessity for new railways — Shipping trade- 
Description of the Middelburg field. 



CHAPTER IX 

Diamonds, Iron, Silver, Lead. Copper, and other 
Minerals 

I )iamonds — Iron — Silver — Lead— Copper — Zinc — Tin — 
Cobalt - - Platinum — Mercury— Antimony — Bismuth- 
Nickel— Uranium— Magnesite (carbonate of magnesia) 
-Graphite -- Gannister— Manganese — Cement — Ma 
nesite— Building stones— Mica— Impure Opal— Rubies 
Turquoise— Abrasive minerals— Keizelguhr— Chromite 
/Eschymite and Monazite— General. 



or. 

to 



99 



lo 5 



114 



CONTENTS ix 



CHAPTER X 

PAGE 

The Dynamite Monopoly 133 

History — Negotiations for expropriation — Comparative costs 
for explosives in Transvaal and Kimberley — Future 
policy — Saving to the industry. 

CHAPTER XI 

The Land . . . . . . • • • 1 38 

Protection of agriculture — Opportunities for stock-farming — 
Water supply of the Transvaal — High veld and bush 
veld — Sub-tropical regions — Description of the districts of 
the Transvaal — Horses — Cattle — Sheep, &c. — Agriculture 
— Market-gardening — Sub-tropical produce — Climate of 
the Low Country — Irrigation— Suggested land policy — 
Lists of Government and private lands — Village Com- 
munities — Reforms in the land system. 

CHAPTER XII 

Immigration . . . . . . . . 195 

Settlement of people of British race on the land — Conditions 
for settlers — Class of settlers and best means of encourage- 
ment — Suggested Government Immigration Board — 
Settlement of Yeomanry Reserve men and members of 
Colonial forces. 

CHAPTER XIII 

The Uitlander People ....... 206 

Johannesburg and its inhabitants — Part played by Uitlanders 
in the War — The Military and the Uitlander Corps- 
Feeling towards the Boers — Britain's greatest resource. 

CHAPTER XIV 

The Boer People . . . . . . . .214 

Some points of history — Characteristics of the race — Mortgag- 
ing of farms— Suggested new policy— Government loans, 
&c. — The policy of leniency — After the War. 



x CONTENTS 



PAGE 



CHAPTER XV 

The Natives 226 

Their treatment by the Boers — Taxation — Supply of labour 
to the mines — Illicit drink traffic — No equality between 
white and black — The Kaffir not poor. 

CHAPTER XVI 

Industry and Commerce ....... 236 

Republic's system of concessions — Detrimental effect — Vast 
mineral resources other than gold — The Transvaal an 
important trade centre — Classes of commerce — Direct 
trade with the mines — Town trade — Kaffir trade —Volume 
of commerce — Comparisons with the United Kingdom — 
Effect of high railway and customs tariffs — Suggested re- 
ductions of freights and customs. 

CHAPTER XVII 

The Railways 254 

Netherlands railway — Capital, &c. — Value as a Government 
asset — Results of working in the past — Comparative 
freights — Comparisons with other South African railways 
— Future policy — Pretoria -Pietersburg railway — Ermelo 
railway — Selati railway — Vryheid railway — General rail- 
way policy — An opportunity for private enterprise. 

CHAPTER XVIII 

Summary of Resources and Crown Assets . . .272 

Gold : Estimated production of the Rand during next seventy 
years; outside districts — Coal: Estimate of possible 
future of Transvaal coal — Other minerals — Railways — 
Manufacturing industries — Land : Government lands ; 
privately owned — Agriculture — Live stock — Dairy pro- 
duce — Crown assets : List of Government securities and 
dividends and interest as per late Government's Budget 
for 1899 — Crown assets (Transvaal) — Liabilities — Con- 
tingent liabilities. 



CONTENTS xi 



PAGE 



CHAPTER XIX 

The Present and Future Administration . ■ • 285 

Drawbacks of military government— Civilian appointments 
by military — The military and civilians — The future 
administration — Suggested advisory boards — Dangers 
of capitalistic legislation— Urgency of popular represen- 
tation—The appointment of Sir Alfred Milner— Municipal 
government— Johannesburg— Effect of former conces- 
sions on welfare of town. 



CHAPTER XX 

The Fiscal Policy— Capacity to Pay Part of the War 

Debt 2 " 

The revenue— Principles of taxation— Sir William Harcourt 
and Mr. J. B. Robinson— Incidence of former taxation 
on the rich and poor mines— Poor mines overtaxed— 
Suggested tax of 10 per cent, on profits— Bewaar- 
plaatsen — Suggested taxes on land — Death duties- 
Taxation of new capital issues— Tax on profits from 
investments— Tax on dynamite— The expenditure and 
the war debt— Cost of policing and army of occupa- 
tion should be added to war debt— Cost of the War- 
Allocation of debt— New colonies' share— Necessity for 
able Civil service— Comparisons of expenditure under old 
and new Governments— Specimen balance-sheet of the 
Transvaal. 



CHAPTER XXI 
The Orange River Colony 3 



Extent and history— The land— Approximate valuation— Agri- 
culture and stock raising— Irrigation— Ownership of 
the land — The people— Natives — Minerals — Promise 
of great expansion of mining industry— Diamonds— Coal 
Gold— Railway s— A valuable asset— Suggested extensions 
— Commerce — Remarkable progress — Administration, 
past and future— The fiscal policy— Estimates of revenue 
and expenditure— Specimen balance-sheet— New taxation 
similar to that for the Transvaal. 



22 



xii CONTENTS 



APPENDICES 



APPENDIX A (Chap. II.) 



PAGE 



Statistical table showing claim areas, capitalisations, reef thick- 
nesses, yields and profit values per ton in 1899 and 1900 of 
principal mining companies from Randfontein to Holfontein, 
treated in sections and to read with Appendix B. Compiled 
by A. Cooper Key 342 



APPENDIX B (Chap. II.) 

Estimates of the value of different sections of the Rand based upon 

the figures of Appendix A 356 



APPENDIX C (Chap. II.) 
Notes on the Nigel district . 366 

APPENDIX D (Chap. II.) 

Article on the " Progressive Development of the Rand." By A. 

Cooper Key, in the South African Mining Journal . . 367 



APPENDIX E (Chap. II.) 

Detailed description of geological plan and sections of the Wit- 

watersrand. By David Draper, F.G.S. . . . .372 

APPENDIX F (Chap. IV.) 

Suggestions for the settlement of Swaziland and the removal of 

monopolies. By W. P. Eraser 37 3 

APPENDIX F 2 (Chap. IV.) 

List of gold concessions granted by the late Government of the 

South African Republic ~g 2 



CONTENTS xiii 



APPENDIX G (Chap. XL) 



PAGE 



Abstract of report on agricultural and mineral possibilities of the 

Transvaal. By D. M. WILSON 383 



APPENDIX H (Chap. XL) 

Transvaal land — Lists of Government and private farms — Sum- 
mar}- according to districts ....... 392 



APPENDIX J (Chap. XL) 

Lists of produce imported into the Cape Colony, Transvaal, Orange 
Free State, and Natal (1896 and 1897) which should have been 
grown in the country. By H. W. Schneider . . . -394 



APPENDIX K (Chap. XII.) 

w 
Natal immigation. By W. P. FRASER 399 

APPENDIX L (Chap. XII.) 

Employees on mines on the Rand — Numbers, wages, monthly 

wages • 4°4 

APPENDIX M (Chap. XIII.) 

Extracts from pamphlet issued by the Refugee Committee of the 

Uitlanders, Cape Town, October 1900 405 

APPENDIX N (Chaps. XIII. and XIX.) 

Dr. Farrelly's opinion in re Lord Roberts's Proclamation of the 20th 
August 1900 regarding taxes, revenues, and licences in the 
Transvaal . . . . • • • • • • . 4 ' 2 



xiv CONTENTS 



APPENDIX O (Chap. XX.) 
Death duties in Great Britain (extract from HazeWs Annual). 419 



PAGE 



APPENDIX P (Chap. XXL) 
List of Government farms in the Orange River Colony . . .421 

INDEX . 427 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



Sorting out Waste Rock from Banket, Meyer 

/ 
and Charlton Mine Fro?itispiece 

Crushing and Sorting House, Angelo Driefon- 

tein Mines To face page 14 ' 

Circular Sorting Table, Angelo Driefontein 

Mines „ 26 u 

Interior of Battery, Angelo Driefontein 

Mines „ 3 6 » 

Wheel for Elevating Sand and Slimes, Angelo 

Driefontein Mines „ 74 ]/ 

Cyanide Works, Angelo Driefontein Mines . „ 98 - 

Extractor House, Angelo Driefontein Mines . „ 122 * 

Specimen of Coffee Plant „ 160' 

Rondavel, Hut used in the Low Country . . „ 174 ■ 

Angelo Driefontein Mines ; General View of 

Battery, Cyanide, and Surface Works . . „ 208 / 

Boer Farmhouse in the Low Country . . . „ 218 



Natives Planting Coffee ,,234 



xvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

MAPS AND DIAGRAMS 

Geological Sections across the Witwaters- 

rand To face page 10 v 

By David Draper, F.G.S. 

Sketch Plan of Witwatersrand, Illustrating its 

Value „ 20 / 

Geological Plan of the Witwatersrand . . „ 42 J 

By Minett E. Frames, F.G.S. 

Diagram of Gold Farm „ 60 

Geological Section, Brakpan Colliery. . . . Page 113 

Mineral and Agricultural Map of the Trans- 
vaal To face page i$6j 

Mineral and Agricultural Map of the Orange 

River Colony „ 322 y 

Section of Bore- Hole, East Rand Extension 

Gold Mining Company Page 363 



CHAPTER I 

INTRODUCTORY 

The War in South Africa is reaching its final stage, with 
the result of the addition to the Empire of two territories 
together nearly equal in extent to Spain, and a beginning is 
being made to establish the new order of things under the 
Imperial Government. It may therefore be of interest to 
many to have some information about the new countries, 
their capabilities, their value, and their present condition. 

The War has already cost Great Britain an enormous 
price in lives of men and treasure, and the question which 
many citizens of the Empire may ask is, " What have we 
got for it ? " To the great majority the answer is evident. 
The successful result of the War, by removing a danger which 
disturbed the working out of the destiny of the British race 
in the world, has fully justified the cost. Obviously the 
main consideration is security and strength restored through 
our having repulsed an attack on one of the principal for- 
tresses of our civilisation. The War has been fought to 
establish principles of equality and liberty for the white races 
in South Africa, and to prevent the continuance of the con- 
dition of subjection in which the Queen's subjects were held ; 
a condition which threatened the stability of the Empire, and 
which might, with European complications, have eventually 
led, if not to its overthrow, at least to a desperate life-and- 
death struggle. England has entrenched her position among 
the nations by the War in South Africa. The strength of 
defence under modern conditions of warfare has been made 
evident. The passes of North-West India have been 
fortified in the battlefields of Magersfontein and Colenso. 
Menace and hatred from armed Europe to England weak 
are already changing to respect and goodwill to England 



2 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

strong. The War, costly as it has been, may have taken 
the place of one more costly still, and there is no doubt 
that, in spite of the defects of the army and its adminis- 
tration, it has added enormously to the real military strength 

of the Empire. 

The War came none too soon, and if the event had been 
delayed, the cost of between a hundred and a hundred and 
fifty millions might easily have been exceeded. The ulti- 
matum, followed as it was by the triumphant invasion and 
annexation of British territory, disclosed the ambitions and 
strength of the Republics, and roused the whole Empire to 
a knowledge of the danger, and to a determination to combat 
the attack. 

No one doubts that the results of the great wars with 
France have fully repaid the enormous sacrifices made by 
our forefathers, and to-day we have been fighting for essen- 
tially the same principles for which they fought then — 
the right to live our lives in the world without fear of 
tyranny or subjection ; the right to repel any attack on 
the constitutional liberty and justice which we have made 
the basis of our civilisation. To do this without interfering 
with others outside our sphere, but at the same time to allow 
no others to interfere with us. 

In South Africa British civilisation was threatened with 
eviction. If the attack which followed the threat had suc- 
ceeded, its place would have been taken by an inferior and 
retrograde civilisation, and by so much would the progress 
not only of our own, but of the whole white race have been 
retarded. Instead of the old population progressing, the new 
population would have been dragged back. If, therefore, the 
whole cost of the War had to be borne by the British people, 
they would have gained by having kept intact that force in 
the world which is theirs, and which it ought to be their 
steadfast and proudest aim to maintain. The Government 
has only now to strengthen that force ; by gently but firmly 
leading the old population into line, and, by means of just 
treatment, equal laws, and wise administration, gradually 
bringing about a fusion of the two races into a nation which 
may eventually take high place in the Celto-Anglo-Saxon 



INTRODUCTORY 3 

brotherhood. The successful accomplishment of this will 
depend not a little on the measures to be taken for the 
development of the material resources of the country. If the 
population be made contented and prosperous many diffi- 
culties which at present seem insuperable will gradually 
disappear. 

But having paid for the War and gained these great ends, 
and having laid the foundation of the future peace and pros- 
perity of South Africa, the British people, although entitled 
to be well satisfied with their work on these grounds alone, 
may also fairly consider the other advantages they have 
secured jointly for themselves, for the old population, and for 
the world at large, and they may fairly demand to have 
refunded, on account of these advantages, a fair and reason- 
able proportion of the cost. Great Britain pursues no dog 
in the manger policy. Where her flag flies the door stands 
open, and it is only right that the material benefits won for 
all should in part be applied to the repayment of the cost of 
securing them. The countries now to be set open under 
good and enlightened government to the enterprise and 
energy of humanity are rich. Besides supporting a pros- 
perous population and repaying tenfold any capital judiciously 
invested in them, they can easily supply sufficient revenue 
to pay for their own government and provide a surplus to 
repay any reasonable part of the great sums that have now 
been expended on them. 

In the Transvaal. 

Under the old Government the sources of wealth were 
thrown almost wholly into the hands of monopolists, while the 
inhabitants, Boer and Uitlander alike, made little headway. 
A number of Boers w r ere spoiled by easily obtained wealth 
derived from the option moneys and purchase prices paid for 
their gold farms ; the Government, too busy devising means 
for enriching themselves, neglected the others and left them 
to lapse gradually into poverty and ignorance. From time 
to time they sought a remedy for this by providing the 
burghers with doles of money, mealies, and donkeys. The 



4 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

class of byzvoncrs 1 and poor whites was continually growing; 
some of these drifted to the goldfields, to fill the slums of 
Vrededorp and Burghersdorp and obtain a precarious living 
there by breaking stones on the Main Reef Road or other 
similar labour; others remained on the farms of their 
wealthier relatives, to drudge and slave for the miserable 
pittance which falls to the bywoner. No encouragement 
was given to enterprise in agriculture. Peaches grown close 
to the railway line were allowed to fall from the trees and 
rot because the rates charged by the monopolist company 
were too high to allow them to be brought profitably to 
market. Mealies and flour were brought from the ends of 
the earth to feed the working people of the Rand, while 
millions of acres of rich land only requiring moderate ex- 
penditure for irrigation were allowed to lie unproductive. 
Wealth and extravagance reigned at the capital, and too 
often squalor and disease on the farms. In the rich district 
of Rustenburg, along some of the most fertile valleys, a state 
of misery could be seen in the homes of the bywoners equal 
to anything to be found in the great cities of Europe. 2 

On the other hand the Uitlanders were equally in a bad 
way. The gold laws were framed so that a man with an 
ordinary capital was almost certain to be ruined if he invested 
his money directly in the gold industry. If he pegged out 
prospecting claims, heavy initial charges and claim licences 
were demanded, leaving him, as a rule, little wherewith to 
develop or prospect his property, and in most cases he 
eventually had to abandon it to some one richer than him- 
self. If he invested in shares, the frequent depressions of 
the market, caused by recurrent periods of unrest, almost 
invariably left him stranded in a few months' time. If he 
went into trade, he had to pay heavy railway rates and import 
duties, besides trading licences. The profits not swallowed 
up by these charges were sure to be reduced from time to 
time by the periods of stagnation of trade resulting from the 
unsettled state of the country. The only trading class that 
waxed rich and comfortable with any degree of certainty 

1 Bywoner = squatter, tenant at will. 

2 See Appendix G. 



INTRODUCTORY 5 

were the dealers in illicit liquor. The skilled workman on 
the mines, it is true, was well paid, but the cost of living was 
proportionately high, and he too from time to time was liable 
to lose his savings if he speculated in shares. Some who 
were cautious gradually acquired wealth by investing their 
surplus money in town property or by sending the money 
home to Cornwall or elsewhere. 

For these reasons the resident inhabitants of the gold- 
fields, who have had a great share in creating the chief 
industry of the country, have never had the stake in it that 
they are fairly entitled to. Capital has done its part, and 
admittedly has done it well, but the physical nature of the 
fields, sufficient alone to secure the lion's share for Capital, 
has, assisted by the gold laws of the country, secured for it 
a position of all-powerful monopoly which is not beneficial to 
the community. The vast wealth of the Witwatersrand, as 
at present proved and known, is controlled by eight great 
financial groups. Two of these control between them interests 
of a capitalised market value of £100,000,000 — the house 
of Eckstein, £70,000,000 ; the Consolidated Goldfields, 
£30,ooo,ooo. 1 

Immediately outside the Rand there are large areas of 
problematically high value, for there is the possibility that 
they may contain the extensions eastwards and westwards of 
the Witwatersrand auriferous conglomerate beds. These are 
for the most part unprospected, but they might eventually 
prove to be equal in value to that part of the Rand now 
being worked. The gold rights over these areas are fortu- 
nately still in the hands of the Government. 

There are other districts outside the Rand where gold- 
mining has been carried on in the past with varied success. 
On some of these, as at Pilgrim's Rest, a considerable 
population used to live and thrive by digging for alluvial 
gold ; others worked rich quartz leaders and reefs. The old 
digger population of these fields has almost disappeared, and 
there are now only a few mines, owned by wealthy com- 
panies, which continue working. The causes of this state of 
affairs are mainly to be found in the faults of administration 
1 Standard and Diggers' News, London edition, July 21, 1899. 



6 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

and legislation of the late Government, which neglected to 
encourage individual effort, and thus promote the establish- 
ment and growth of mining villages throughout the country. 
If such villages had been in existence in these outside dis- 
tricts they would have afforded markets where the surround- 
ing farmers could have sold their produce, and they would 
have greatly assisted in bringing about more general 
prosperity. 

Besides the gold industry there are other mining in- 
dustries which have been neglected, and even discouraged 
by the Government. The diamond mines waited for two 
years to have the rights of the discoverers confirmed and 
defined. The development of the great coalfields of the 
Transvaal has been delayed by the want of railway facilities, 
refused in order to pamper the Netherlands Railway mono- 
poly. The rich iron ores of the Middelburg and Pretoria 
districts have remained unworked because iron smelting and 
founding have been prohibited for years, except to the 
holders of the iron concession. Valuable lead and silver 
mines are unworked because the ore cannot be smelted for 
want of coke, plentiful and cheap supplies of which would be 
available if the coal industry were developed. Generally all 
the mining industries of the country have suffered from 
unwise, and even criminal, legislation, passed to bolster up 
monopolies. 

The same can be said about the manufacturing industries. 
In nearly every case where the requirements of the country 
are favourable to the creation of a manufacturing industry, 
the sole right has been given to some concessionnaire. The 
greatest abuses of Government control over trade and 
industry are exemplified in the Dynamite Monopoly, the 
Drink Concession, and the Netherlands Railway, all of which 
have had a disastrous effect, by hindering the prosperity of 
the country solely for the benefit of individuals. 

The succeeding chapters will be devoted to an endeavour 
to contrast the past deplorable state of the Transvaal with 
what it should and will be under an enlightened Govern- 
ment. The aim is to give an account as reliable as possible 
of the resources of the country and the best means of 



INTRODUCTORY 7 

developing them— an idea of the approximate value of the 
Witwatersrand goldfield from the data supplied by past 
working— the value of the Bewaarplaatsen J — the probable 
value of the outside Rand still unprospected and unpro- 
claimed— the value of quartz reef mines in districts other 
than the Rand— the bearing of the gold law— the expediency 
of leaving the present mining companies without interference 
with their rights already secured— the advisability of chang- 
ing the law in respect of all properties where the gold is still 
in the hands of the Government— the changes in the gold 
law necessary to bring about a rapid development of new 
mines and new districts in the manner best calculated for the 
benefit of the people, which will best secure to Great Britain 
a speedy repayment in part of its present outlay without 
creating heavy burdens — the Dynamite Monopoly — the 
value of the coal, iron, silver, lead, diamond, and other 
minerals, and the opportunities they offer— the Netherlands 
and other railways— the condition of agriculture and irrigation, 
tobacco and fruit growing, stock raising— the opportunities 
for immigration and the prospects of immigrants— the con- 
dition of the natives— the best means of encouraging the 
Boer population in their own industries, and gaining at the 
same time their support to the Government— the fiscal policy 
—what proportion of the war debt the country can pay 
without overburdening the people. 



The Orange River Colony. 

This colony will be considered in the last chapter. Some 
of the suggestions for solving the problems discussed in the 
chapters on the Transvaal are to a certain extent applicable 
to the Orange River Colony, but the old Free State Govern- 
ment was conducted on much better principles than that of 
the Northern Republic, and consequently there is not so much 
to pull down and build up again, A concise account is given 
of its agricultural and mineral resources, and its white and 
native population. 

1 Bewaarplaatsen = reserved places. See Chapter VII. 



8 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

The book is an unofficial prospectus of the work which 
lies before the British administration in the new Colonies ; 
an endeavour to interest the public mind in the problems pre- 
sented. It is written in the hope that the facts adduced and 
the ideas suggested will call forth an intelligent criticism, which 
may lead to good. The work which lies before Great Britain 
in South Africa is similar to that which she has so success- 
fully carried out in Egypt, but in this case she will have no 
outside interference. Fortunately, the administrator appointed 
is an expert trained in that country. If Sir Alfred Milner 
produces a result in South Africa equal to that which he has 
so brilliantly described in his book " England in Egypt," he 
will have fully succeeded. He has this advantage, that if 
there is corn in Egypt, there is corn enough and gold be- 
sides in the Transvaal. 



CHAPTER II 

THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 

Since the discovery of gold in the Transvaal, gold-mining 
has become by far the most important industry of the 
country. Before gold was found, industry was limited to 
agriculture and stock raising, and commerce was represented 
only by the trade and barter which the up-country store- 
keepers carried on with the farmers. When the greatest 
gold-mining industry in the world became firmly established 
on the Witwatersrand, the old industries began to grow in 
value, and new ones sprang up, even in spite of restrictive 
legislation. Transvaal commerce was beginning to attract 
the competition of all the great trading nations, and the 
country grew so rapidly in importance, that the Government 
thought it was big enough for anything. The principal 
interest centres, therefore, in the gold industry. It is the 
great motive force of industrial and commercial life, and any 
inquiry into the resources of the country may best begin 
with gold. 

Gold was known to exist in the Transvaal as long ago 
as 1845, but the first goldfield of real importance was 
that opened in the Lydenburg district in 1872-73. The 
Barberton fields were declared public diggings in 1884, and 
about the same time Mr. Struben discovered the auriferous 
character of the Witwatersrand conglomerates. In 1886 
the Witwatersrand district was proclaimed a public goldhcld. 
Other discoveries were made before and after this of gold- 
bearing quartz reefs. In the Zoutpansberg district, the 
Woodbush, Klein Letaba, and Murchison fields were thrown 
open. On the western border the Malmani district was 
prospected, and found to contain promising quartz lodes with 
visible gold. Extensions of the auriferous conglomerate of 

9 



io THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

the Rand were found near Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp 
on the west, and near Heidelberg and Hex River on the 
east. 

Owing to the great richness of the conglomerate beds 
near the centre of the Witwatersrand, attention was soon 
concentrated on that area, and several of the mines were 
established whose fame has since spread all over the world. 
The Robinson, the Ferreira, the Crown Reef, and others 
speedily showed that this was a field which bid fair to take 
a leading place among the world's goldfields. Yet there 
were few then who imagined that the Rand 1 would in fifteen 
years eclipse all rivals, and even now they are few who 
realise its immense and astounding capabilities. The amount 
of coined gold in the world is estimated to have doubled itself 
in the thirty years between i860 and 1890, and to have 
been at the end of that period about £736,000,000. The 
amount of gold within the range of practical mining in the 
Witwatersrand district of the Transvaal is probably four 
times that amount. Enough to provide each human being 
in the world with a couple of sovereigns to jingle together, 
and still leave a reserve for the specially fortunate. The 
fear is entertained by some that the vast stores of the metal 
about to be extracted from the Rand may cause its value to 
depreciate, and its purchasing power to decline to such an 
extent that the exchange may no longer be remunerative 
— that the experience of the depreciation of silver through 
over-supply may find its counterpart in the case of gold. 
This, however, is a fear which need not be seriously con- 
sidered for many years to come. If ever it is realised, it 
will be mainly through the enormous production from the 
Witwatersrand conglomerate. 

The main geological features of this wonderful formation 
and its relative position may be thus briefly described. The 
basement rock appears to be the granite which is found out- 
cropping a few miles north of Johannesburg. Shelving up 
towards the granite there is a succession of quartzites and 
shales known as the Hospital Hill series, a name given 
because the hill where they are most prominently exposed 

1 Rand, Dutch word meaning " ridge." 



A A ft 

Ji BATTERY REEF 
SERIES 




U. 




\NV 






/ p p O 










H N I N O KLIP 



■J? 



UnOMOHAAi 



N 



nit 5 <+ ■ - 



HOSPITAL Hill $CRICS 

■ , ■■- 



Lm^^^i 



Geological Sections 

ACROSS THE 

WITWATERSRAND 

BY D. DRAPCR, f.O.S. Ac. 



P A A RDEKRAAl 







LUtPAAftDSVL£i 



H 



BOTHASREIT MOHARCHRUF AFRICAHD1A BATTCRy Reel 
scans semes Seam siRies 



RICTVItl 



N?l SECTION fROM KHOMDRAAI To RIETVLEI 






if 



(f D R N F O N T E I N 



ORANGt CROVl 

N 



hospitai Hill semes 



,-,: 



CISBURC SERIES 
lUZUIOlUHOVDS ,<*!&*' 

/Aim „f 
Olabet* 






main Reee scries \imnesTom eiRDReer i 

~.r Henry \ seRieS | SERieS 



A' 

''■.'■ \ ' ' ' ' ," lMH.lv 1 ."'.IT ; ',. II};, l(.',l .IMl.l; [i 

HOSPITAL HILL SCRIES 







,sv\^ -;v/??. ■ 







N?2. SECTION FROM ORANGE GROVE To ROODEKOP 



'r 

l UURFONT eiN 




Main fic, e / Series and Botha's ami Battery 
Series of gold-bearing Conglomerates 

^•».«, Other S er i e s of Conglomerates gold- 

'"' ring but of lower grade 



N?3. SECTION FROM ZUURFONTEIN Torus BLACK REEF 
ON 

HLI PP OORT J E 



Datum t we 5ooo It above Sea level 







V 






THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD n 

runs directly behind the Johannesburg Hospital. Then come 
the beds of the Witwatersrand series, quartzites and con- 
glomerates, with the same sloping dip to the south. Next 
in succession there is an intrusive rock known as the Klip- 
riversberg amygdaloidal diabase, which has been erupted 
later than the period of deposition of the Witwatersrand 
series. Resting on this diabase at some places, and at others 
on the Witwatersrand rocks, there is another small series of 
conglomerates and quartzites known as the Black Reef for- 
mation. This formation is unconformable to the Witwaters- 
rand series proper. At some places it completely covers the 
upturned edges of the older series, but at others, as along 
the Rand at Johannesburg, it is worn away and leaves them 
exposed. It is like an old mantle, through whose worn-out 
patches one can partly see what lies below. Above the 
Black Reef formation is a thick bed of dolomite, and then the 
rocks of the Gatsrand. These latter are represented on the 
north by those of the Magaliesberg, 1 and there is little doubt 
that they at one time covered the whole anticline of the Rand, 
the crest of which is now denuded. 

The Witwatersrand series is the formation to which the 
greatest interest is attached, as it contains the auriferous con- 
glomerate beds which constitute the main wealth of the Rand 
and of the Transvaal. Professor Becker of the U.S.A. 
Geological Department, along with other geologists, considers 2 
that the material of the Witwatersrand series was deposited off 
a subsiding shore. 3 Mr. Wilson Moore states that " there is 
no necessity to look further abroad for a solution of the origin 
of the gold in the banket 4 beds than older auriferous quartz 
reefs which have been denuded and deposited on a receding 
coast-line." Both, therefore, believe the gold-bearing conglo- 
merates to be ancient marine placers, and this view is probably 
correct. The gold is contained chiefly in a series of quartz- 
pebble conglomerate beds occupying a position near the base 
of the Witwatersrand formation. These beds are locally known 

1 Berg, Dutch word meaning "mountain." 

2 "The Witwatersrand Banket," G. F. Becker, p. 15. 

3 "Geology of the Rand," Wilson Moore. See Goldman's "South African 
Mining and Finance," vol. i. p. 28. 

4 Banket, Dutch word meaning "almond rock." 



12 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

and spoken of as "reefs," although they are in nowise " reefs" 
in the true sense of the term. The particular series which 
contains the most of the gold is called the Main Reef series. 
This series comprises three, and on some properties four 
beds, all more or less gold-bearing. While the series may 
be said to be permanent throughout the Rand, it is doubtful 
whether any one bed continues for more than a few miles. 
Still, " the stratification is so perfect," says Professor 
Becker, 1 " that a single pebbly stratum only a few inches in 
thickness can be traced for many thousand feet, and perhaps 
for miles along the strike 2 ; " and again, 3 " It appears to me 
that the beds of conglomerate form a group of many flat 
lenticular masses, any one dying out in strike, but usually 
being replaced in the floor or roof by an equivalent bed." 
Whether this description of the conglomerate beds as a 
number of flat masses not absolutely continuous but dove- 
tailing over one another is correct or not is of no con- 
sequence, the main fact being the permanence of the gold- 
bearing series as proved by actual work over a distance along 
the strike of more than fifty miles. As to their permanence 
in depth, one authority already quoted says, 4 " There is little 
doubt that exploration of the Witwatersrand can be pushed 
to a depth of 5 000 feet," and the other is of opinion 5 "that 
the beds and their contained gold will last to depths, and at 
the same average grade of ore contents, beyond those at 
which man will find it possible to profitably exploit them." 

These opinions have since been borne out to a great 
extent by actual proof. The first deep borehole was put 
down on the Rand' Victoria Mine at a point 4400 feet south 
of the outcrop on the Simmer and Jack. This borehole cut 
the South Reef at a depth of 2343 feet, the assay value 
being 1 oz. 4 dwts. The Bezuidenville borehole, put down 
at a point 5 800 feet south of the outcrop in the Meyer and 
Charlton mine, cut the reef series at a depth of 3250 feet. 

The two shafts in the Robinson Deep mine cut the South 
Reef at a depth of 2385 feet and 1806 feet respectively. The 
South Reef in No. 1 assaying 5 oz. over a width of 6 inches, 



1 



Becker, op. cit., p. 14. 2 Strike = direction of outcrop. 3 Op. cit., p. 11. 

4 Op. cit., p. 7. ° Wilson Moore, op. cit., p. 28. 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 13 

in No. 2, 3 oz. over a width of 12 inches. Here it may be 
explained that the Main Reef series consists of several reefs 
or beds of quartz-pebble conglomerates. The most important 
of which are : — First, the Main Reef, a body from 3 to 1 2 
feet thick, but low grade, assaying from 3 to 9 dwts. per ton ; 
second, the Main Reef Leader, about 3 feet thick on the 
average, and payable practically throughout; third, the 
South Reef, thinner but richest of all. In many of the mines 
only the Main Reef leader and the South Reef are worked, the 
Main Reef being left as unpayable. The Bezuidenville bore- 
hole proved an average dip from the outcrop of 29 degrees, 
although at the outcrop mine the dip was 45 degrees. Along 
the Central Rand other deep boreholes have shown the dip of 
the reefs, even where steep at the outcrop, to have flattened 
in depth to averages of from 25 to 30 degrees. Farther east 
it is much flatter. On the farm Geduld it is proved to be 
not more than 10 degrees. 

Deeper boreholes are now being put down in the ground 
belonging to the Turf Club immediately south of Johannes- 
burg. The distance from the outcrop is 10,000 feet, and as 
the dip of the reefs in the outcrop mines is here very steep, 
70 degrees, the average dip may be assumed to be about 35 
degrees. In which case the reefs would be cut at a depth of 
nearly 7000 feet, unless a considerably greater flattening 
takes place in depth. This is most likely to be the case, and 
experts put the depth at which the reefs will be encountered at 
5300 feet, or an average dip of 25 degrees. The holes were 
down 4000 feet at the commencement of the War, and the 
stratification so far was normal. 

The results from actual tests by boring are only what 
might have been confidently expected from the nature of the 
beds. Their extent being proved longitudinally for over fifty 
miles, it almost follows that their width must be proportionate 
to their length, and there seems little reason to doubt that 
the conclusion is correct which only limits the exploitation of 
the Rand to the ultimate depth at which modern mining can 
be carried on. The problem presented is similar to that 
offered by the deeper coal-mines in England, and has no 
relation whatever to gold-mining in ordinary quartz veins. 



i 4 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

The accompanying geological sketch plan and sections will 
help to a correct understanding of the foregoing description. 1 
The process of extraction has attained extraordinary 
perfection. On many mines 85 per cent. 2 of the gold contents 
of the ore is successfully and economically won. The process 
as now in practice on the Rand is as follows : — The ore after 
being brought to the surface is deposited on revolving tables 
where native workers pick out all the valueless pieces, which 
they easily identify from their containing no pebbles. The 
ore is then put through a crusher and reduced to a size not 
more than 2\ inches square. It then passes to the stamp 
battery, and water being allowed to flow in as it is crushed, 
it is reduced to pulp. This pulp is run over copper plates 
amalgamated and covered with quicksilver. The free gold 
settles on the quicksilver, forming gold amalgam. This is 
scraped off from time to time and retorted, the mercury 
passing off in vapour and the gold remaining. That portion 
of the gold still covered by iron pyrites or other minerals 
and thereby prevented from coming in contact with the 
mercury, passes over the plates and is carried by the water 
with the sands and slimes to large vats, where it is treated 
by the cyanide process. A weak solution of cyanide of 
potassium is pumped into the vat, and the cyanide dissolves 
the gold. After some hours the solution is drained off and 
caused to flow over zinc shavings, when the gold precipitates 
itself on the zinc in the form of a fine brown mud. This is 
smelted with suitable fluxes, and on cooling the gold settles 
at the bottom of the retort. The foregoing process is known 
as the M 'Arthur Forrest, and was the one chiefly used for the 
treatment of tailings 3 on the Rand. Within the past few 
years the Siemens-Halske process, by which the gold is 
deposited electrically upon strips of lead, has been installed 
at several mines. 

On some mines the heaviest sands, consisting mostly of 

pyrites and gold, are concentrated and treated by chlorination. 

The Witwatersrand gold industry has been built up by 

1 Pages 10 and 42. 

» In 1898 the Bonanza mine recovered 93-i9"per cent, of the gold contents of 
the ore milled ; this of course included yield from "slimes." 
1 Tailings = sands and slimes. 




'Si 

W 



w 

r , 

». 

O 
W 

r— I 

3 
o 

w 

o 

< 
w 

x 

o 

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5 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 15 

engineering skill, inventive genius, and a vast amount of hard 
work. The deeper levels could not have been worked but 
for the discovery of the cyanide process. The industry has 
been hampered by monopolies and political and other diffi- 
culties. Yet all these have been surmounted, and the men 
who have made the Rand are worthy of admiration. If 
some of them have looked well after their own interests in 
other ways, as will be shown to be the case, who can blame 
them ? 

Its Value. 

An inquiry into the value of that portion of the Rand 
which has been developed and worked for the last fifteen 
years no longer presents the same difficulties which would 
have been encountered even five years ago. The great pro- 
gress which has been made in proving the deep levels, the 
tabulated results of past work, and many of the calculations 
of the eminent mining engineers who have been employed 
by the great financial houses, are available for those who 
desire to arrive at an estimate of what the Rand, as at 
present being worked, is worth, and it is possible now to 
arrive at an estimate approximately near the truth. 

The State Mining Engineer's report for 1898 shows that 
the value of the total gold won in the Transvaal in the fifteen 
years 1884 to 1898 inclusive was £70,22^,60^} Of this 

1 Gold outputs are usually declared in ounces, but it may be interesting to give 
here the equivalents in tons of the Rand gold production, together with the 
sterling values :— 



Year. 



1887 
1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 

1893 
1894 

189S 
1896 

1897 
1898 

1899 (nine months) 

1900 (by Boer Government) 



Tons. Cwts. 



o 

6 

12 

16 

23 
40 
48 
64 
72 

73 

98 

140 

say 131 

say 19 

750 



15 
16 

18 

2 

IS 
o 

5 

17 
18 

3 
8 

13 
o 

o 



81,042 

734.477 
1,389,03° 
i,735,49i 
2,556.3 2 8 
4,297,610 
5,187,206 
6,963,100 

7.840,779 

7,864,341 

10,583,616 

i5,Mi.377 
14,046,686 

2,000,000 



10 80,421,083 



16 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

over 90 per cent, was contributed by the Witwatersrand. 
The total value of the output of the country for 1898 was 
.£16,240,630 ; of this the Witwatersrand, Randfontein to 
Modderfontein, contributed ^15,135,909. The number of 
tons of ore treated on the Witwatersrand was 7,308,415, 
of an average value of 41s. 6d. per ton. Twenty-six mining 
companies paid dividends amounting to .£4,885,689, indica- 
ting a profit of 13s. 4d. per ton treated. The total expendi- 
ture by the Witwatersrand mines during 1898 for labour, 
material, food stuffs, and all items of working expenditure, 
was .£10,086,215, which, if deducted from the value of gold 
won, viz., .£15,135,909, leaves .£5,048,694/ indicating a 
profit of 13s. 9fd. per ton treated. These figures may be 
taken to roughly indicate the average profit per ton on the 
Rand, the tonnage includes those mines which worked at a 
loss as well as those which showed profits, and they gener- 
ally agree with the estimated average of the Rand arrived at 
by other methods. 2 

In the Central Rand the average is very much higher. 
From the Bonanza Mine to the City and Suburban inclusive, 
the average value per ton is somewhere between 60s. and 
70s., and the average profit between 30s. and 40s. Other 
districts, again, are poorer. On the Bantjes Mine, for in- 
stance, is the centre of a poor zone on the Rand, and in the 

J The dividends paid by Witwatersrand mines amounted to £1,444,338 in 
1894; £2,119,412 in 1895; £ i> 430>982 in 1896; £2,817,005 in 1897; £4,827,810 
in 1898, while during the half-year ended June 1899 (embracing the two last 
normal quarters), a total of £2,722,282 was distributed. 

2 The Chamber of Mines Report for 1898, p. 24, gives Mr. Rouliot's speech at 
the annual meeting held in Johannesburg, 1899, in which he says :— "The total 
amount distributed in dividends by forty mining companies out of seventy-seven 
contributing to the Witwatersrand output for 1898 is £4,834,160, or £2,120,590 
more than last year, and being 31.93 per cent, of the total production, against 
25.64 per cent, in 1897, equal to 13s. 2.2d. per ton milled, an increase of nearly 
3s. over 1897. The deep levels contributed £995,000, or 19.75 P er cent - of the 
total dividends paid, or at the rate of 13s. 7.3d. per ton milled. Whereas the 
costs in 1897 worked out at 29s. a.7d per ton, it has come down in 1898 to 
28s. i.4d, or a decrease of is. 5.3d. per ton, pointing to a better efficiency in the 
methods of treatment and further economy realised in the working. As a matter 
of fact, the progress made is much greater than these figures would make it 
appear, for the deep levels show a very high cost of 34s. 6. id., which swells the 
average ; this high rate being due to the fact that they have been repaying debts, 
and completing their equipment out of profits." The Rand Mines last report of 
work done in 1899 shows that working costs had been reduced to 25s. 3fd. per 
ton, and the profits had at the same time proportionately increased. 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 17 

Roodepoort district the reefs, although rich, are thin, causing 
working costs to be high, and tonnage per claim to be low. 
These factors have all to be reckoned in estimating the 
value per claim for the various districts of the Rand. 

In Appendix B. there will be found a series of 
calculations made from the latest available data, as 
shown in Appendix A. The Rand, from Randfontein 
to Holfontein, a distance of over fifty miles, is taken, 
and its value estimated, area by area, according to the 
thickness of the reefs, and the tonnage per claim, the value 
per ton, and the profit per ton, as they are indicated from 
past working. Also account is taken of all other reliable 
data, such as the discovery and development of new reefs 
like those in the Randfontein district, the discovery and tests 
of the new areas proved to contain the continuation of the 
Main Reef series on the East and far East Rand, and a close 
estimate is made of what may be confidently expected in 
this great stretch of proved country. These calculations are 
put in an appendix at the end of the book for the reason 
that the statistical details required might weary many readers 
not directly interested in Rand mining. They are included 
in this book, however, because the extraordinary wealth they 
indicate might be disbelieved were the data on which the 
results are based not laid open for inspection by any who 
may desire to look into the facts for themselves. Were they 
not included, many might infer that the wealth of the Trans- 
vaal was being written up merely to dazzle the mind by the 
glamour of immense stores of treasure. Undoubtedly the 
treasure exists, and in such vast stores that the imagination is 
more likely to belittle the truth than the truth is to belie the 
imagination. 

The table on page 1 8 shows the results arrived at. 

In connection with the estimate of the Rand therein 
presented it must be borne in mind that — 

(1) The profits per ton, per claim, and in the aggregate 
are based upon working costs obtaining before the War. 
Under the new regime these costs are estimated to be reduced 
from 5s. to 6s. per ton (see Chapter XVI II.). 

(2) In the event of costs being so reduced, two im- 

B 



i8 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 





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THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 19 

portant results would ensue, (a.) The total tonnage and gold 
value would be largely increased by reason of the addition of 
quantities of Main Reef ore, the grade of which in the past 
fell below the pay-limit, (b.) The excess profit attributable 
to this reduction would be upwards of £350,000,000 on the 
tonnage given in the table, besides the additional profit from 
the extra tonnage of Main Reef. 

(3) The estimates of grade, dip, gold value, and profit 
value relate to the sections for which they are given, and not 
to any particular mine in any one section. Investors will 
find further particulars of individual mines in Appendix A. 

(4) On some of the sections, the Vogelstruis — Main Reef 
for instance, the grades of ore are estimated at rather higher 
values than were shown in past working. The modern method 
of sorting the ore had not come into practice when these low 
grade mines were first worked. It will be noticed that in such 
cases the estimate of tonnage per claim is put low. This is 
to allow for extensive sorting, which would give a higher grade 
for the mill. Some mines now sort 1 out as much as 40 per 
cent, (see footnote regarding Randfontein in Appendix B.). 

(5) This estimate does not take in any possible dis- 
coveries of extensions of the Rand, eastwards or west- 
wards, but only refers to the area from Randfontein to 
Holfontein. 

1 Considerable misconception exists among those unacquainted with Rand 
mining as to the meaning of the word " sorting." It has nothing to do with 
taking out the richest portions of a mine or gutting it. The gold-carrying por- 
tion of the Witwatersrand Conglomerate is the cementing portion between the 
pebbles. In some cases the pebble beds are divided by bands of sandstone. At 
certain mines the Main Reef Leader, and in nearly all the South Reef, is of a 
lesser width than that at which the stopes or working places have to be excavated 
(the minimum working width is 2.\ feet to 3^ feet). It will thus be seen that 
quantities of sandstone are of necessity brought to the surface with the actual 
reef. Formerly sandstone ("waste") and gold-bearing conglomerate were put 
through the mill together. About six or seven years ago certain managers hit 
upon the plan of discarding this waste rock previous to milling the ore. The 
rock as hauled is deposited upon belts or circular rotating tables, and Kaffirs 
pick out the waste pieces. [See Illustration.] By means of sorting the grade of 
recovery is improved considerably, and batteries are kept going on gold-bearing 
rock intermixed with as little waste as possible. In August 1898, about 86 per 
cent, of the rock crushed had been sorted previously to being sent to the mills. 
Some of the companies, e.g. Ferreira, Jumpers, Consolidated Main Reef, 
throw out over 40 per cent, of waste. The average is about 20 per cent. It 
may be calculated that sorting saves about ^50,000 a month to the mines 
of the Rand. 



20 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



Nearly 2900 Millions. 

The enormous total of 2871 millions sterling, which is 
the estimate arrived at of the gold available for practical 
mining on the area between Randfontein on the west, and 
Holfontein on the east, is far in excess of any estimates of 
the Rand's resources which have hitherto been published. In 
1893, Mr. Hamilton Smith, estimating only on a depth of 
5200 feet on the dip of the reef and a thickness of 5 feet, 
brought out the gold value of eleven miles of the Central 
Rand at 325 millions. In 1894, Mr. Theodore Reunert 
made an estimate of 450 millions. In 1895, Messrs. 
Hatch and Chalmers brought out the yield of the reefs 
then being worked at 7 00 millions, and since then no 
authority has given an up-to-date estimate. When the 
enormous area beyond Boksburg which has been proved 
since 1895 is considered, and also the newly discovered 
reefs on Randfontein, which will double or treble the pro- 
ducing powers of that section, and when the continued 
success of the deep and deep-deep levels during the past 
five years are all considered, the present estimate is not 
out of proportion to those already published. 

The estimates are based on working depths of from 
3000 feet on the poorer sections to 7000 on the richest 
section of the Rand. The average of the dips calculated 
is about 29 degrees. On these bases the estimated 
number of tons of payable ore available is 1378 millions. 
This is calculated to be obtainable from 57,031 x claims, 
bringing out the average ore contents approximately at 
24,173 tons per claim, or considerably under the average 
proved by actual working on the Rand. This average is 
equivalent to a reef thickness of about 4 feet throughout 
the Rand. The estimated tonnage per claim varies from 
10,000 tons in the extreme eastern section to 45,000 tons 
on the Langlaagte Estate — Crown Reef 2 Section. 

1 A Transvaal mining claim is 155 x 413 English feet. 

2 The following is a note of the record of the Crown Reef, one of the premier 
Rand mines : — 

"Since the commencement of crushing in April 1888 to March 1899 — eleven 
years — the Company's receipts have been : — 



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SKETCH-PLAN OF THE WITWATERSRAND 
(Illustpting Table of Estimates, p. 18.) 



HRUGERSDORP 

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JOHANNESBURG 

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Main ReefJ. 



B0KS8URC 



MEYER & CHARLTON - KNI6H 
Sold £. 713.400 000 £62000 |4J 
ProFirS Zf 3 600000 £28.000 ^,.^ e P \ 
6000 ff. -'m«I s 



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Specimen KCtlon:- REFERENCE. 

Roodepoorl, 2781 (claims). 

Gold, /114,0a!, 000 (in section); /^i.ooo (per claim); 41'- (per ton). 
Profit, ,£37,080,000 (for section); /13, 333 (per claim); 13/4 (per ton). 
Dip of reef, 30 degrees ; assumed depth of reef, 6000 feet. 



■ Limit line of ground estimated. 

.. areas floated into companies. 

,, claims pegged. 



Note.— The claims pegged to the south of the Balmoral—Blue Sky section extend far beyond the area oh which 
the estimate is made. The farms to the south of the central sections are unproclaimed or they also would have 
been pegged as deep-levels of the Main Reef Series. Although the estimates are made only on the limited areas 
shown, it is possible that the Main Reef Series may be found workable far beyond the limits assumed. 



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THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 21 

Mr. Truscott 1 has stated that from careful computation 
he found 

" That the average total stoping width of banket being worked 
on the Langlaagte Estate, Crown Reef, Ferreira, Henry Nourse, 
Jumpers, Geldenhuis Estate, New Primrose, and May Consolidated 
Mines was about 94 inches, and that over this width the average 
assay value was 12.75 dwts.; and secondly, that in the following 
deep-levels along this stretch the Langlaagte Deep, Crown Deep, 
Robinson Deep, Nourse Deep, Jumpers Deep, Geldenhuis Deep, 
Rose Deep, and Glen Deep, these average figures would be 
respectively 84 inches and 13 dwts. 

"With the single exception of the Robinson Deep, these mines 
just mentioned belong to the first row of deep levels, so that as a 
whole they may be considered representative of that group." 

These averages obtained by Mr. Truscott indicate an 
average tonnage per claim on the outcrop mines of over 
50,000 tons and an average ore value of about 45 s - P er 
ton, and on the deep-level mines an average tonnage per 
claim of 43,000 tons and an average ore value about the 
same as that of the outcrop mines. 

The total estimate of 2871 millions shows an average 
gold value of 41s. yd. per ton and ,£50,344 per claim. The 
average value per ton crushed in 1898 was, according to the 
State Mining Engineer's report, 41s. 5d.. The estimated 
value per ton varies from 27s. 6d. in the Western Langlaagte 
to 60s. on the Bonanza — City and Suburban section, and the 
estimated gold value per claim varies from £22,500 on the 
extreme Eastern Rand, where only thin bodies of reef are 
reckoned on, to £112,500 on the rich Bonanza — City and 

Working capital ....... ;£ 1 4,000 

Sale of reserve shares ...... 148,187 

,£162,187 

Gold account, 937,709 oz 3,231,604 

Gold account concentrates sold ...... 38,664 

Sundry revenue ......... 6,798 

^3,439,253 

After spending £2,020,829 on mining, transport, milling, cyanide and slimes 
treatment, general charges, mine development and depreciation, ,£185,048 for 
surface equipment and improvements, the Company was able to pay out over a 
million in dividends (£"1,049,900), and to place £76,593 to reserve. The total 
working capital provided was £209,309. Dividends paid aggregate 889 per 
cent., representing 177s. 9d. per share. Upon the basis of 40,000 tons of ore per 
claim, the value of gold per claim figures at ;£86,ooo, of which about £33,000 
would represent profit." 

1 Truscott, " Witwatersrand Goldfields," p. 459. 



22 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Suburban section. The estimate of profits comes out at 975 
millions, showing an average of 14s. id. per ton, or slightly 
above the average experienced on the Rand for the year 
1898. The profits estimated vary from 3s. 4d. per ton on 
the Western Langlaagte to 32s. 6d. on the Bonanza — City and 
Suburban sections. The estimated average profit per claim 
is £17, 102, varying from ,£5000 in the Western Langlaagte 
section to ,£60,937 in the Bonanza — City and Suburban 
section. The Bonanza Mine itself has shown in past work- 
ing a profit value of ;£ 17 5,000 per claim and a gold produc- 
tion of ,£250,000 per claim. 

A statement was compiled and published on the 30th 
September 1897 by the Standard and Diggers' News (London 
edition), in which it was shown that by that date twenty-five 
of the principal mines had crushed 11,950,000 tons of ore 
from a total of 244 claims exhausted. The yield of ore per 
claim exhausted had been 49,000 tons. The total dividends 
paid out had been £7,749,536 and the dividends per claim 
exhausted, £31,700. 

Further Examination. 

The totals are so stupendous that it may be as well to 
bring some additional evidence. 

The number of claims is set down at 57,031. The 
actual number of claims held on the Rand on December 31, 
1898, was, by the State Mining Engineer's report, stated at 
80,593, °f which 5180 paid diggers' licences, and 75,413 
paid prospectors' licences. Many of these are held on deep- 
level ground far beyond the distance from the outcrop at 
which practical mining is reckoned on in the estimate ; but 
against these must be set the Mynpacht 1 areas calculated in 
the estimate as claims, and the unproclaimed areas, such as 
the Turf Club ground, which come well within the limit 
and are reckoned in the estimates as claims. Neither of 
these are included in the State Mining Engineer's report. 
It is evident, therefore, that the number of 57,031 estimated 
to offer opportunities for practical mining on the Rand is 

1 Mynpacht = mining lease obtained from Government. 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 23 

much under the number which popular and speculative 
opinion entertains on the spot. 

If exception is taken to the fact that the deepest actual 
work on the Rand is as yet only being done on depths of 
between 3000 and 4000 feet, it can be shown that this is 
no valid exception. Numerous new companies were formed 
by the principal financial houses in I 899 on ground situated 
from 7000 to 14,000 feet and 15,000 feet south of the 
outcrop. Notably there is the new company called " The 
Rand Mines Deep, Limited," in which three of the principal 
financial houses in the Rand — Consolidated Goldfields, 
Messrs. Eckstein & Co., and Messrs. Neumann & Co. — 
are largely interested. The lengthy of this property, parallel 
to the outcrop, is 5 \ miles. The distance from the outcrop 
ranges from about 6000 feet on the northern boundary 
opposite the Henry Nourse, to 15,000 feet on the southern 
boundary opposite the New Primrose. Assuming the dip 
to be 30 degrees, these distances show a range of depth at 
which the reef is intended to be worked of from 3462 feet 
vertical on the nearest point on the northern boundary to 
8655 feet vertical on the farthest point on the southern 
boundary. Assuming the dip to be 25 degrees, the range 
of vertical depth would be for this property from 3265 feet 
vertical at the point nearest to the outcrop on the northern 
boundary to 6990 feet vertical at the point farthest from 
the outcrop on the southern boundary. The capital of the 
company is £1,000,000, and some of the shares were 
subscribed for at £2. All the shares are issued, and the 
market value is now over £3 a share. Besides ; Mynpacht 
areas have been taken out by the leading houses on the 
farms — Klipriviersberg, Turffontein, Booysens, Vierfontein, 
and Mooifontein — along the Southern Rand, all on ground 
stretching to and beyond the limit of practical depth on 
which the present calculations are based. 1 Mr. John Hays 
Hammond, the consulting engineer to the Goldfields and 

1 A company called the South Village Deep, Limited, has been floated with 
a capital of £750,000 (,£256,666 working), to work claims situated at 16,000 feet 
from the outcrop, that is, 5000 feet beyond the limit line on which the present 
estimate is based. This flotation must be regarded as somewhat premature ; large 
areas nearer the outcrop might more reasonably have received prior attention. 



24 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



Robinson groups, has stated his opinion that profitable 
mining on the Rand may be carried to a depth of 8000 feet. 1 

In fact, the whole general policy of the leaders of the 
Rand mining industry serves to show that they at least have 
no doubt as to the practicability and payability of engaging 
in mining at or beyond the depth calculated on. Even on 
the far Eastern Rand, where the reefs are thin, ground 1 5,000 
feet from the outcrop has been floated into a company whose 
shares command a high price on the market. 

The great financial houses of the Rand have depended on 
careful scientific management, and their enterprises are usually 
undertaken on the advice of the best mining engineering skill 
the world can give. Critics of their policy regarding deep- 
deep levels may in future years meet with a similar experience 
to that of The Investor's Review, which in an article on the 
Rand Mines, Limited, demolished the deep-level ventures of 
that company entirely to the editor's satisfaction, and received 
the following retort from the chairman of the company : — 

"I think that the best answer would be to attach this article as 
an appendix to our report, but it will suffice if I refer to two points 
which show the extraordinary logic and the amazing ignorance of 
the writer — exceptional even in a professional critic. Because we 
have framed conservative estimates, because we have fulfilled our 
promises, says this sagacious writer, there is something mysteriously 
wrong : we must be picking the eyes out of our mines. That in 
No. 1 and No. 2 is equally worth preserving. Because we are 
1 sorting our ore,' because we are ' working close and clean ' and are 
thus ' grading up ' our ore by exercising every possible care to 
exclude waste rock : therefore we are robbing the mine and picking 
its eyes out. It appears that it is a crime to fulfil your promises, 



1 Mr. C. B. Going states in an article in The Engineering Magazine, January 
1900: "So far no difficulty has been experienced, either from high temperature 
or from influx of water, in sinking to depths of 3700 feet, and Mr. Hammond is 
still of the opinion that it is possible to work to depths of upwards of 8000 feet in 
the Witwatersrand district." 

In an interview at Johannesburg, reported in the Standard and Diggers' 
News (London edition), Mr. Hays Hammond expressed the opinion that there 
was no indication of impoverishment of reefs as the depth of working increases. 
Geological considerations lead to the belief that adequate reef values extend as 
far as mining is mechanically feasible. "I do not approve," he says, " of start- 
ing very deep shafts till the intermediate ground between the outcrop and the 
deep level has been proved. Theory may go wrong, and it is a good conservative 
policy in mining to feel one's way by decrees. It is my opinion that mining 
will be mechanically possible at a depth of, say, 8000 feet, or even 9000 feet ; 
this being the aggregate depth of vertical and inclined shafts." 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 25 

and a deception on your fellows to put up extensive and complicated 
machinery to enable you to reject worthless rock : you ought to mill 
it and bring down your yield." 

The report in question intimated to the shareholders that 
they had made profits of £1,694,632 during the year on an 
issued capital of £448,989. 

Evidence of a different nature than that of financial 
operations which might be looked upon as not necessarily 
conclusive is also available. Specifications were being in- 
quired for regarding hauling machinery for lifting ore from a 
depth of 7000 feet. The Tamarack and the Calumet and 
Hecla Copper Mines on Lake Superior have now reached a 
depth of nearly 6000 feet, and the problem of raising ore 
from that great depth has presented no insuperable difficul- 
ties. On the Rand, which has a higher elevation above the 
sea than the shore of Lake Superior, the difficulties should 
be much less than there, and the limits of profitable work 
will be determined by payability and practicability rather than 
by limitations from increased temperature. 

Mr. John Hays Hammond has estimated that the extra 
capitalisation per claim for a mine on the second row of 
deep-levels working 250 claims, with two shafts, and with 
the reef 2 5 00 feet deep, would be £800 per claim. It has 
also been pointed out that with the extra speed and cheaper 
cost of shaft-sinking attained of late years, the third row of 
deep-levels may be opened at very little extra cost to that 
experienced for the second row. 1 

The costs of shaft-sinking, mine development, and surface 
equipment, of subsidiary companies of the Rand Mines group 
have been : — 



Ferreira Deep 100 stamps 



Glen Deep „ „ . 445>°°° 

Durban Deep 60 „ . . 460,000 

Geldenhuis Deep, 200 „ . . 475,000 

Rose Deep „ „ . 644,000 

Nourse Deep 100 ,, . . 613,000 

Jumpers Deep „ „ . 631,000 

Crown Deep 180-200 ,, . . 784,000 

The richest mine of the group, the Ferreira Deep, which 
1 Truscott, " Witwatersrand Goldfields," pp. 464, 465. 



,£400,000 



26 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



reached the producing stage in May 1899, holds the record 
for shaft-sinking, for rapid underground development, and for 
producing gold at less expenditure, and in less time, than 
any other deep-level on the Rand. 

Mr. Seymour, 1 in his evidence before the Industrial Com- 
mission, stated that the estimated costs for the equipment 
and development on an average deep-level mine having 100 
stamps would be : — 

Construction ..... ^23 1,000 
Development ..... 197,000 



. ^428,000 



Total . 
= ^"4280 per stamp. 

and for 200 stamps — 

Construction .... 
Development .... 

Total . 
= ^"2755 per stamp. 

These figures do not include the price of the ground. 



236,000 



• ^55 T » 000 



Deep-Deep Levels. 

In 1899 Mr. John Yates read a paper before the South 
African Association of Engineers, Johannesburg, in which he 
demonstrated the possibility of bringing ore from a depth of 
1 2,000 feet. Mr. Yates' paper is well worthy of study, 
although the opinion may be ventured that it will be un- 
necessary to go to the extreme depths referred to in the 
paper on account of the probability of the main reef series 
becoming flat, or even inclining upwards again at a moderate 
distance from the outcrop. 

The following is an extract from an account of Mr. 
Yates' paper in the Standard and Diggers 1 News, London 
edition of August 25, 1899 : — 

" It is calculated that between the Crown Reef and the Angelo 
inclusive (about nine miles) there is approximately 46,000 feet of reef 
— measured parallel to the outcrop — lying south of properties which 



1 Truscott, op. cit., p. 458. 




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CO 



U 

I— ( 

u 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 27 

are recovering 40s. or more per ton. Now this 46,000 feet multi- 
plied by 12,000 feet (the horizontal distance between a point in the 
reef 500c feet deep and a point in it at heat limit— 12,000 feet deep 
—the dip being taken at 30°) equals 552,000,000 square feet or 
9200 claims. This number does not include those claims in which 
the reef is at a less depth than 5000 feet vertical." 

It is assumed that the grade of the ore will be main- 
tained, and then it is stated that — 

" The problem of very deep levels resolves itself into the question 
of shafts, their position, number, and size, and the method of hoist- 
ing The limit of practical working depends on the heat en- 
countered. Mr. Seymour has determined from specially conducted 
experiments a ratio of increase of i° F. for every 203 feet of vertical 
depth. Assuming the temperature at 1000 feet at 72 *., the 
maximum air temperature in which men and boys can do a shitt s 
work at ioo° F., we find the limit of work by temperature is 12,000 
feet vertical. Mr. Yates doubts the possibility of sinking vertical 
shafts to a depth of even 7000 feet. Third row deeps will probably 
have vertical shafts of about 5000 feet. Indeed, the Rand Victoria 
and Victoria East shafts are not expected to strike the reef at a less 
depth than 435° to 45°° f eet- It is suggested that the f ourth 
deeps be worked through these 5000 feet shafts on the third deep, 
through the 8000 feet of incline. In this case the reef would leave 
the property at 9000 feet vertical. From this to the 12,000 feet 
limit constitutes the fourth row of deeps with 6000 feet of reef on the 
dip It would take about the same time to open out a fourth deep 
on this system, as with an independent vertical shaft, if such were 
possible, which is open to doubt. The total length of mc me work- 
ing to the heat boundary would be 14,000 feet, which would involve 
winding in four stages. A shaft 38 feet by 7 feet would be sufficient 
for both ventilation and hauling requirements. With four hoisting 
compartments and four 10-ton skips, and an average hoisting velocity 
of 2500 feet per minute, 2800 tons per twelve hours could be hauled 
—sufficient for 400 stamps, allowing for a sorting of 30 per cent. 

In conclusion, the author thinks that — 

" There is evidently something to be said in favour of working the 
enormous intact area of reef lying within the heat and payable limit 
through sooo feet one stage vertical shafts, allowing a minimum ot 
400 stamps to each shaft, and having the size of the latter and the 
property commensurate with the stamping basis." 

A further corroboration of the estimate may be found in 
examining the return capital may expect from the poor and 
even the poorest sections. Taking first the poorest section 
of the Rand, viz., the Western Langlaagte : — The assump- 



28 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

tion is for a mine of 400 claims in extent, where the 
reef is from 3000 to 4000 feet deep. The purchase price 
per claim would necessarily require to be low on such ground 
as this, and it may be set down at £100 per claim. 

Four hundred claims at £100 . . . £40,000 

Equipment and development on basis of modern 

heavy stamp battery of 200 stamps . . 800,000 

Total capital £840,000 

The tonnage per claim for the district is estimated at 30,000. 

30,000 x 400 = 12,000,000 tons. 
12,000,000 tons at 3s. 4d. profit = £2,000,000 profit. 

With a 200 heavy stamp-mill about 350,000 tons would be 
crushed every year, giving a mining life of thirty-four years. 

Capital, £840,000 at 4 per cent. = ,£33,600 yearly. 
^33,600x34 years .... ,£1,142,400 

Repayment of capital .... 840,000 

£1,982,400 

amount required to pay 4 per cent, per annum interest 
and return the original capital. Total profit, £2,000,000, 
or sufficient to provide the above sum and leave a small 
balance over. This method of calculation is open to the 
objection that when once the mine begins to pay dividends 
repayment of capital begins, so that the return would be 
really more than 4 per cent., because as the years go on 
the capital invested becomes reduced with every dividend ; 
but against this must be set the fact that, to begin with, there 
are three or four years of development during which there 
are no dividends. The balance is in favour of the present 
estimate of dividends being below the probable returns by 
one or two per cent. The argument here, however, is to 
prove the payability of the areas under consideration, and 
the severest test possible is applied. Of course the example 
of a mine in the Western Langlaagte area is the worst that 
could be chosen in the whole area of the Rand, and it may 
be much below what the actual results will eventually prove 
on even the poorest sections. Adequate and quite possible 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 29 

reductions of working costs would double both the profit and 
the output. In any case, the Rand Mines, Limited, and 
Barnato Consolidated Mines own deep-level ground opposite 
this area stretching 'considerably beyond the horizon of 3 OOO 
feet vertical depth calculated on, fairly sufficient proof that 
the directors expect to find it profitable. 

An examination, however, of a better, but still compara- 
tively poor section, say the Lancaster-French Rand, on the 
same basis of 400 claims, and this time with a million 
capital, to provide for a higher purchase price for the ground, 
shows a much better result. 

Four hundred claims at £500 . . . £200,000 

Equipment and development of modern heavy 

stamp battery of 200 stamps . . . 800,000 

£"1,000,000 
Estimated tonnage for district, 20,000 tons. 

20,000 x 400 = 8,000,000 tons. 
8,000,000 tons at 6s. 8d. = £2,666,666. 

Life with 200 stamps crushing 350,000 tons a year is 
twenty-three years. 

Capital, £1,000,000 at 7 per cent. = £70,000 per annum. 

70,000x23 £1,610,000 

Repayment of original capital . . . 1,000,000 

£2,610,000 

or slightly less than the profit of £2,666,666 shown above. 
This section can, therefore, on the basis estimated, show a 
profit of 7 per cent, besides return of original capital. 

On examination of another typical section, viz., Roode- 
poort, results are obtained as follows. Assuming the pur- 
chase price per claim to be -£1000 — 

Four hundred claims at £1000 . . • ,£400,000 
Equipment and development on basis of modern 

stamp battery of 200 stamps . . . 800,000 

£1,200,000 
20,000 x 400 = 8,000,000 tons. 
8,000,000, at 13s. 4d. profit = £5,333,333- 
Capital, £1,200,000 at 15 per cent. = £180,000. 



3 o THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Life of mine, similar to last example, twenty-three years. 

180,000x23 ...... ^4,140,000 

Repayment of original capital . . s 1,200,000 



^5,340,000 



or very nearly equal to the profit shown above. This section 
can therefore be mined on the basis estimated and show a 
profit of 1 5 per cent, besides return of the original capital. 

For the sake of comparison an examination may be made 
of the results to be expected on an ultra deep-level of the rich 
Bonanza — City and Suburban section. To begin, such a 
company would nominally have to pay a much higher pur- 
chase price for its claims. This may be put down at about 
£5000 per claim. 

400 x 5,000 ...... ^2,000,000 

Equipment and development on basis of 
modern heavy stamp battery of 300 
stamps and for a depth of from 4000 to 
7000 feet ...... 1,400,000 



,£3,400,000 

Four hundred claims at 37,500 tons, the estimate for the 

section = 15,000,000 tons. 
15,000,000 tons at 32s. 6d. estimated profit ^24,375,000. 

300 stamps will crush 525,000 tons a year, giving a life of 
thirty years. 

Capital, ^3,400,000 at 20 per cent. = ^"680,000 per annum. 

^680,000 x 30 years ..... ^20,400,000 
Repayment of capital .... 3,400,000 



Profit, ^24,575,000. 



^"23,800,000 



This mine can, therefore, start with the enormous capital of 
.£3,400,000, and pay dividends of slightly more than 20 per 
cent, for thirty years and repay the original capital. If the 
calculations were made on a smaller purchase price for the 
property, which would be quite a fair thing to do, seeing that 
the ground in many cases cost little or nothing, and seeing that 
the working capital will be provided by the owners them- 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 31 

selves in the first instance, although afterwards the shares 
may be put on the market on the basis of a price per claim 
of from £5000 to £25,000. 

If such a company were formed now, the £ I shares 
would be put on the market at from £3 to £4 per share ; 
that is to say, the price per share would be raised until 
the yearly return would be in the region of 7 to 8 per cent. 
The fortunate promoters of such a company, besides the 
considerable sum they would originally get for their claims, 
could, if they liked, sell out three-fourths of the remaining 
shares to the public at 300 to 400 per cent, premium, and 
thus, without waiting for the actual dividends from working 
the mine, they could make three or four millions immediately. 
It is in this way that the great corporations like the Consolidated 
Goldfields and Rand Mines amassed enormous profits in the 
past. 

Comparison with Producing Deep Levels. 

A further test of the conservative character of the esti- 
mate is obtainable by examining into the market price of 
the shares of a typical company like the Ferreira Deep. An 
examination of this will go to show that the estimate^ as 
applied to this mine does not come up to popular expectation. 
The actual results for three months' work on the mine only 
showed a profit of 31s. per ton. Applying, however, the 
larger estimated profit of 32 s. 6d. per ton for the section in 
which the mine is situated — the Bonanza — City and Suburban 
the following result will be obtained (the area is 141 

claims) : — 

141 claims at ,£61,000 = ,£8,601,000. 

The estimated life of the mine is sixteen years. 

The capital is £910,000, and the average market price 

about £7. 

910,000 at £-] = ,£6,370,000. 
,£6,370,000 at 3 per cent. = ,£191,100. 

191,000 x 16 years . £3>°57>6oo 

Repayment of capital 6, 370,000 

,£9,427,600 



3 2 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



So that on a basis of the estimate for the district, and at the 
price of £7 per share, the Ferreira Deep will barely earn 
sufficient profit to pay 3 per cent, per annum and return the 
investors their capital. It must be remembered that the 
Ferreira Deep has only worked three months, and that 
although the results were then below the average estimated 
for the whole Bonanza — City and Suburban section, still, in 
the course of a year's work the mine is pretty certain to do 
better, and it will probably show profits eventually con- 
siderably in excess of the estimated average of 32 s. 6d. 
per ton, and if the low-grade Main Reef ore is added, the 
tonnage will greatly exceed 37,500 tons. Further, in the case 
of a buyer of Ferreira Deep shares at £7, when the mine 
is working, repayment of capital begins with the first dividend 
received. This factor will over sixteen years add about 
2 per cent, to the dividend rate, which would, therefore, be 
5 per cent, instead of 3. 

The examination of this property, however, confirms two 
things— first, that the public, in buying Ferreira Deep shares 
at £j y takes a more sanguine view of the value of Rand 
mines than is taken in the present estimate; and secondly, 
that at £7 Ferreira Deep shares may be considered about 
high enough under present conditions. A consideration of 
other working mines along the Rand will lead to similar 
conclusions. 

The Geldenhuis Deep, another typical mine on the Meyer 
and Charlton — Witwatersrand section of the Rand, may be 
examined with the following results : — 

Claim area, 212 claims. 
Estimated average ore contents for district, 40,000 tons. 

212 x 40,000 = 8,480,000 tons. 

8,480,000 tons at 14s., the estimated average 

profit for district 

Capital as follows : — 



;£5>93 6 >°°o 



Debentures ^160,000 

Shares, 300,000, at average market price, ^7 2, 100,000 

,£2,260,000 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 33 

Estimated life, twenty- two years. 

2,100,000 at 8 per cent. = ^168,000. 

168.000 x 22 years ^3^96,000 

Add repayment of capital .... 2,260,000 

;£5>95 6 » 000 

or about equal to the estimated profit of £5,936,000. It is 
evident, therefore, that in this case also the public take a 
sanguine view, and unless they hope for a greater return of 
profit from the mine than the estimate calculated on here, 
they will be content with 8 per cent, dividends and their 
money returned. As a fact, however, the profits for 1 898 
and 1899 on this mine average about 20s. per ton, although 
the ore mined is only about 4 1 s. in value. This tends to show 
that the estimated average profit of 14s. per ton for the 
district is likely to be largely exceeded in actual results. 

The same remark about immediate part return of capital, 
and consequent increase of actual dividends, applies, of course, 
here as well as to the Ferreira Deep, also the remark 
about low-grade ores. The mine is worked at a very low 
cost per ton, and the fact may be used to lead up to the 
next corroboration of the general correctness, or even con- 
servative character of this estimate of the Rand's profit 
value. In fact, all the deductions tend to show that the 
estimate will fall considerably short of actual results. 

In all the foregoing examples the calculations are made 
on the old basis of working costs. 

Reduction of Working Costs. 

The factor now to be brought into consideration is the 
reduction of working costs. Dr. Hatch, in his paper read 
before the Geological Society in 1898, says: "With regard 
to gold contents, the best section of payable ore extends 
for about ten miles in the central part of the Rand (near 
Johannesburg). Outside this section occasional patches of 
payable or even rich ore are found, but the general average 
is low grade, and there are many places where the auriferous 
contents are not sufficient to repay working." But in the 

c 



34 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



light of recent developments and in the face of the data 
detailed in Appendix A., he will probably come to the 
conclusion that very few and comparatively insignificant areas 
on the Rand can be classed as unpayable. The average 
cost per ton, as indicated by the figures in the estimate, is 
27s. 6d. On one mine on the Rand, viz., the Block B. 
Langlaagte, a profit has been made on ore of the value of 
only 23s. 6d. per ton. The basis of 27s. 6d. per ton for the 
average cost demands that, generally speaking, ore of less 
value than 7 dwts. cannot be worked at a profit. With the 
new Government, important changes may be made regarding 
labour, dynamite, and other items of cost, and it is an open 
secret among mining men generally that the cost per ton 
is expected to be brought down to something between 16s. 
and 20s. per ton. The policy necessary to attain these 
reductions is explained later. If this is brought about, not 
only may 2871 millions — the present estimate of the value 
of the ore contents of the Rand — be accepted, but a much 
larger figure is highly probable, because then the total 
tonnage would be swelled by the addition of the enormous 
quantities of Main Reef, of a value of 6 to 8 dwts., which at 
present lie untouched in many mines now only working the 
richer South Reef and Main Reef leader. Critics who may 
feel inclined to question the results here foreshadowed may 
do well to take this factor into consideration. 



Rate of Production. 

There is still another means of checking the result, and 
that is a consideration of the rate of production preceding 
the outbreak of the War. The official returns for the nine 
working months of 1899 showed a production at the rate 
of about £20,000,000 a year, equivalent to £2,000,000,000 
in a hundred years. The rate of production will probably 
double itself within fifteen years after the War ; if so, in fifty 
years' time the product from the Rand will have reached 
over £2,000,000,000, and, if such an accelerated rate of 
progress is made, the whole of the vast amount now 
estimated may be dug out of the Rand within sixty or 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 35 

seventy years. It greatly depends on the labour supplies, and 
on the capital invested. Regarding the former, there may be 
some difficulty, but about the latter there need be no fear, 
because not only have the great houses of the Rand 
enormous reserves of their own, but under new and en- 
lightened government such a goldfield is sure to attract 
plentiful supplies of fresh capital. 

Nor need it be considered such an extraordinary thing 
to mine and treat the tonnage of ore presumed. As has 
already been remarked, these conglomerate reefs of the Rand 
are similar, so far as regularity and other mining considera- 
tions are concerned, to coal beds. The output of coal from 
Great Britain is over 200,000,000 tons per annum, and if 
a similar rate of production could be obtained on the Rand, 
the 1,378,000,000 tons estimated would be worked out in 
from seven to eight years. Of course this is impossible ; but 
it is possible, and highly probable too, that such an amount 
will be extracted within the present century. The aggregate 
of the gold production of the world for the forty-five years 
between 1850 and 1896 was given by the Statist some years 
back at £1,163,000,000, of which the United States had 
produced £417,980,000, and Victoria £243,841,000. 

In an article published in The Engineering Magazine, 
August 1899, Dr. F. H. Hatch gave the following opinion 
about the rate of production : — 

" On the assumption that the ore will maintain its present grade, 
namely, between 9 and 10 dwts. of fine gold, or say 40s. to the ton, 
the output from the Witwatersrand fields would, on this basis " (that 
is of 12,000 stamps), "amount to 36 million pounds sterling per 



annum." 



In Appendix D will be found an article by Mr. A. 
Cooper-Key published in the South African Mining Journal 
on September 9, 1899, written on the assumption that there 
would be no war, in which it is shown that in 1899 there 
were 6000 stamps at work on the Rand. It was estimated 
that at the end of 1 900 there would be nearly 8000 ; at the 
end of 1 90 1 nearly 10,000, and at the end of 1 902, 12,000. 
These estimates are based on the stamping power required 
by the new deep levels and other mines then being developed, 



36 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



and are likely to be under rather than over the rate of pro- 
gress within the first six years after the War. 

The stamping power of the Rand at the end of each year 
was reckoned up as follows : — 

1899 ..... 6165 stamps. 

1900 ..... 7895 

1901 ..... 9845 

1902 ..... 11*785 

On the basis of 1800 tons per stamp per annum, and 
taking an average number of stamps instead of the maxima 
quoted above, the following tonnage would be crushed : — 

In 1900 (7000 stamps), 12,600,000 tons. 
„ 1901 (9000 „ ), 16,200,000 
„ 1902 (10,500 „ ), 18,900,000 



a 



)) 



>) 



}> 



)) 



The Mining Journal takes £2 per ton crushed to be the 
probable average value, and forecasts the values of the output 
for the three years as follows : — 

In 1900 ..... ^25,200,000 

1901 ..... ^32,400,000 

1902 ..... ^37, 800,000 

The ratios of increase in the value of gold production 
were 34.6 per cent, in 1897 compared with 1896, and 
43.07 per cent, in 1898 over 1897. The estimates of 
ratios of increase for the four years 1899— 1902 are 30 
per cent, 26 per cent, 27.8 per cent., and 16.6 per cent. 
At the annual meeting of the Rand Mines, Ltd., held in 
Johannesburg on March 23, 1899, Mr. Eckstein stated that 
the Rand Mines group and its associates were running 3500 
stamps, and in five years they would be running 12,000/ 



Conclusion. 

Having gone carefully through the estimate of the value 
of the Rand on the basis of the data supplied in the 
Appendix A., and having shown that the figures are supported 
in many ways and by many tests, and that it will be found 
hard to come to any other conclusion than that the result 
is likely to fall short, if anything, of the actual future pro- 

1 Standard and Diggers' News (London edition), vol. vii., p. 475. 




■S} 

' T 1 



o 

I — I 

H 

O 

q a 

^ o 



C/2 



W 



£ o 



O 



THE WITWATERSRAND GOLDFIELD 37 

duction ; still, on the principle that it is desirable to be 
well on the safe side, let it be assumed, either that a large 
proportion of the area may prove unpayable, or that the 
tonnage may fall short of the estimate, or that dykes, &c, 
may be found in the newer areas in much greater frequency 
than in the older workings, or that any other equally unlikely 
things may happen, and let the totals be reduced by one- 
fourth. If the reduction were made only on the area by 
taking out the poorest portions from the calculation, it would 
be equivalent to the elimination of all areas calculated to 
yield less than 41s. per ton in value and 13s. 4d. per ton in 
profit. This would mean the elimination of the Lancaster — 
French Rand section, of the Vogelstruis — Main Reef section, 
of the Western Langlaagte section, and of the Benoni — 
M odder fontein section ; that is, it would cut out about 
fourteen miles of the poorer sections of the Rand. If the 
two least proved sections, — the Boksburg — Apex Mines and 
the Modderfontein Extension — Holfontein, which includes 
Geduld, — were taken out, the total gold value would only 
be reduced by 620 millions. But let it rather be assumed 
that the reduction is set against any possible unpayable 
areas or any possible over-estimate that may have been 
made, and assuming further that the richer areas and 
portions left in will only yield in actual practice the same 
average that was arrived at with these poor sections and 
portions included in the calculation, which is ' a very large 
concession, further minimising any danger of an over- 
estimate, and the following is the result : — 

Claims, Tons. 

57,031 1,378,625,000 

Less \ 14,257! 344,656,250 

42,773i i,°33>9 68 >75° 

Gold value. Profit value. 

2,871,177,250 975>3 68 >749 

Less J 717,794,312 243,842,187 

^2,153,382^938 ;£73i,526,562 



38 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

These figures would certainly be largely exceeded if 
working costs can be reduced 5 s. per ton all round, thus 
allowing the low-grade ores of the Main Reef to be included. 

Further, this calculation leaves out altogether possible 
returns from the Rietfontein Reef on the north, from part 
of which fair results may possibly be obtained. At least 
one mine, the Rietfontein A., has shown good results. 

Then there is the possibility of the discovery of com- 
pletely new reefs on the Rand. In 1899 very encouraging 
results were obtained by prospectors on such a reef lying 
near the Hospital Hill shales, and it is quite possible that 
another payable series may be added right along the Rand. 
It may also be found that portions of the Black Reef or 
the Elsburg Reef, as yet unprospected, may be payable. 
However, leaving all new discoveries out of account, the 
data obtained from the indisputably payable Main Reef 
series has indicated quite sufficient gold to go on with ; and 
even if the Transvaal contained no other goldfields, a 
source of wealth is there proved and ready to pay any 
reasonable war debt, and to support in peace and plenty 
a great population of workers. It can offer a reward to 
capital in the shape of 730 millions or more in prospective 
profits, and in addition it has a purchasing power of 
nearly 1400 million pounds' worth of labour, machinery, 
material, food stuffs, and other goods, and it will pay for all 
these things in gold. It can help to keep the Old World in- 
dustries busy for many years, besides providing a market for 
all the agricultural produce the old population of the Trans- 
vaal and a grand army of immigrants may find themselves 
able to supply. All that is required is an enlightened and 
equitable Government policy which will so order things that 
all will benefit — no one at the expense of his neighbour. 



CHAPTER III 

"THE GREATER RAND" 

Having arrived at an approximate value for the Rand as at 
present worked, an endeavour may be made to get some 
idea of the probable value of the unproved greater Rand 
beyond the Rand eastwards from Holfontein and south- 
eastwards through Heidelberg and westwards from Rand- 
fontein to Klerksdorp — two extensions which may eventually 
add another hundred miles or more of payable ground to the 
Rand area. It is known that both contain the Witwaters- 
rand beds, covered for the most part by more recent geolo- 
gical formations, but every now and then showing indications 
or undoubted outcrops of the great gold-bearing series. 

Eastern Extension. 

Taking the eastern portion first, and beginning just 
beyond Holfontein, a region of considerable speculative 
value is entered upon. Dr. Hatch, in a paper read before 
the Geological Society, 1 says, that after disappearing under 
the dolomite on the farm Klipfontein, about twelve miles 
north-east of Boksburg, the strata of the lower Cape for- 
mation (that is, the formation containing the Witwaters- 
rand conglomerates) have swerved to the south ; and he 
arrives at this conclusion from the fact of their next being 
found about ten miles north-west of the Nigel. Since Dr. 
Hatch wrote his paper, the reefs have been definitely located 
on the farm Holfontein, and it remains to follow up the in- 
formation as to the strike gained by that discovery. Dr. 
Hatch further states that the next appearance of the Wit- 

1 " A Geological Survey of the Witwatersrand and other Districts of the Trans- 
vaal," by F. H.^Hatch, Ph.D. Quarterly Journal Geo. Soc, vol. hv., 1898. 

39 



4o THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

watersrand beds is at the Nigel mine, striking east and west, 
but dipping north. He further states that from the Nigel 
mine the beds can be traced to Heidelberg, and, following 
the trend of the hills of the Zuikerboschrand, they run 
through the farm Boschhoek, Schickfontein, &c, &c, to 
Stryfontein and Boschkop on the Vaal River, east of Ver- 
eeniging, where they are again covered by the Karoo 
formation. 

" Farther east there are several inlying portions of the 
Witwatersrand beds, extending as far as Greylingstad, and 
constituting a synclinal trough, the axis of which runs south- 
east. The conglomerates are found outcropping on the 
northern side of the syncline on the farms Rietfontein, Riet- 
bult, Van Kolder's Kop, Witpoort, and Doornhoek ; and on 
the southern side at Roodepoort, Driefontein, Hex River, 
Barnard's Kop, Roodewal, Rietvlei, Witpoort, Daspoort, 
Tweefontein, Driefontein, and Malan's Kraal. The central 
portion of the trough is much disturbed by igneous intrusions 
of a basic character." 

Over the whole of this stretch the localities where 
mining has been carried on to any extent are first and 
mainly the Nigel district, and second the Hex River and the 
Heidelberg — Roodepoort. On the Nigel area a considerable 
number of companies are at work. The payable reef or 
conglomerate bed is here thin, but on the Nigel property it 
is extremely rich. The results arrived at from a considera- 
tion of the data supplied from a limited area are that the ore 
contents per claim are not likely to exceed 5000 tons, and 
the gold value may be estimated at 50s. and the profit at 
1 os. On the Heidelberg — Roodepoort section the results in 
the past have not been satisfactory. The Hex River Company, 
however, had begun to develop very promising ore on its 
property when its work was stopped for want of capital. 
While, therefore, the facts, so far as known, do not offer 
great hopes of any very striking results along this vast 
area, still it must be remembered that to a great extent 
it is unprospected, and further, that over a great portion 
of it, the Witwatersrand series is covered by more recent 
formations. 



"THE GREATER RAND" 4 1 

With regard to the Heidelberg district, the State Mining 
Engineer says : — 

"The greatest part of the proclaimed diggings must, in my 
opinion, still be reckoned as prospecting fields. Nevertheless, from 
personal inquiry, I have come to the conclusion that wherever the 
fields shall be properly taken in hand, a bright prospect can be 
reckoned upon," and " in any case up till now no substantial work 
has been done, and it appears that work has hitherto been mostly 
confined to prospecting operations." 

It is not reasonable to think that only the richest por- 
tions of the Witwatersrand series have been laid open on the 
surface, and that the sections which remain covered are 
all poor. It is probable that many portions of these hidden 
areas may be found to contain reefs, if not rich, at least 
payable. And this may especially be hoped for in that 
region where the reefs are completely hidden, and at the 
two ends of which, where they are exposed, they are found 
to be payable. The region in question is that lying between 
the Nigel on the south and Holfontein on the north. Pros- 
pecting on this area presents considerable difficulties on 
account of the beds searched for being hidden not only 
under the Karoo formation, but in some parts also under 
the dolomite. (For the main geological facts about this, 
and, for that matter, for the whole Witwatersrand auriferous 
conglomerates, the reader cannot do better than consult 
the very able and complete description given by Dr. Hatch 
in the paper quoted.) With greater encouragement given 
to prospectors on the lines which will be suggested in the 
chapter on the gold law, it may be hoped that another 
twenty or thirty miles in length of payable ground on 
the eastern extension may be added to the Rand. The 
whole length of the outcrops along this eastern stretch, 
measuring round the turnings of the reef outlines, and 
taking in also the outcrops of the series running south- 
east from near Heidelberg to Hex River, round by the 
Heidelberg — Roodepoort and back towards the Nigel, may be 
calculated at about 140 miles. 

As an example of what may be expected by successful 
prospecting of these areas, the farm Geduld is notable. 



4 2 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



This farm is covered on the surface by the horizontal strata 
of the coal measures. It belonged to President Kruger, 
who demanded and received ;£ 10,000 for the right to 
prospect the farm for one year. Little was thought gene- 
rally at that time of the possibility of the farm containing 
the Main Reef, but the enterprising house which took up 
the problem put down several boreholes and struck the 
reef in every instance. To-day, with the Geduld shares at 
£ 5, the property has a market value of over two millions. 



Western Extension. 

A district of even greater possibilities comes next for 
consideration — that westwards of Randfontein, stretching 
south-west through BufFelsdoorn to Klerksdorp, a distance 
of ninety miles. About this district Dr. Hatch says : — 

"The conglomerates are clearly exposed on Randfontein, Droo- 
geheuvel, Haartebeestfontein, Witfontein, and Elandsfontein. On 
the latter farm they pass under the dolomite. Like the Hospital 
Hill series, they emerge again west of Frederiksstad, and can be 
followed past Buffelsdoorn on to Klerksdorp, and thence to the 
Vaal River." 

In the Klerksdorp district mining has now been carried 
on for fifteen years, and it must be admitted that the results 
have not proved satisfactory. The district, however, has 
laboured under many disadvantages. The beds, so far as 
proved, are of low grade ; and owing to the want of coal, the 
greater distance over which material has to be brought, and 
for many years the lack of railway communication, the 
working costs have been out of proportion to the value of 
the ore. The general results show that a considerable 
amount of gold has been won, and the Klerksdorp end of 
the section may yet prove a fairly remunerative field for 
mining when greater facilities are offered and fewer burdens 
laid on. The State Mining Engineer's report for 1898 
states : — 

"The past year has been a very difficult one for these fields. 
Several companies which were producing gold in the beginning of 
the year, and from which the best results were expected, found it 







y Minett E. Frames, F.G.S. 






w^ 







GEOLOGICAL PLAN OF THE WITWATERSRAND 
Showing llie areas incompletely prospected {marked transverse lines) which probably contain the Rand gold-bearing conglomerates beneath the surface strata. By MlNETT E, Frames, F.G.S. 

Sections i, 2, and 3, see page 10, 



"THE GREATER RAND" 43 

necessary, for one reason or another, to close down their works, so 
that only one company, the Buffelsdoorn Estate and Gold Mining 
Company, is still at work." 

The most hopeful feature for the area, however, has 
presented itself during the last two years in the remarkable 
discoveries of the new reefs on Randfontein. These reefs 
lay untouched, their existence being unknown for fourteen 
years, although the company owning the ground had un- 
limited capital, and had done a great amount of work within 
300 feet of them. If this can happen on an area like Rand- 
fontein, it can be imagined how easy it is to miss the payable 
beds on a practically unexplored region. The thickness of 
these beds on Randfontein, and their proved extent along at 
least six miles of country, argues that they will probably be 
continuous towards the south-west, lying, under the more 
recent formations, in the direction indicated by the reappear- 
ance of the series near Buffelsdoorn. In any case, this 
western area presents a magnificent opening for prospectors, 
and will probably eventually add another fifty miles of pay- 
able ground to the Rand area, ground which may quite 
likely prove equal in value to that between Randfontein 
through Johannesburg to Holfontein. If this proves to be 
the case, the estimate of the Rand value in gold and profits 
would have to be doubled. It is certain that in this great 
stretch of country there are huge stores of low-grade ore. 
Mr. J. B. Robinson has recently stated, in the course of his 
controversy with Sir William Harcourt in the columns of the 
Times, referring to the Transvaal, " The flotation and work- 
ing of its wealth, the bulk of which lies in what is called 
lower grade ore, but which possess all the same an enor- 
mous amount of gold." Leaving out the possibility of a 
rich area being found to exist in the district under considera- 
tion, there is no doubt about these low grade areas, and the 
exploitation will certainly be assured provided the working 
costs can be reduced by liberal and enlightened measures of 
Government. The discovery of payable portions likewise 
depends greatly on the future laws regulating prospecting. 
Reference to this will be made, as stated before in dealing 
with the Heidelberg district, in the chapter on the Gold Law. 



44 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

In the Venterskroon district another appearance of the 
Witwatersrand conglomerates is found. Here the beds dip 
southwards towards the granite mass, which is to be 
seen at Vredefort in the Orange River Colony. Dr. Hatch 
ascribes this reversed position to faulting. Although some 
of the reefs show high assay values at places, work has 
neither been extensive nor highly remunerative in the past. 
This district, like many others, has suffered from attention 
being concentrated on the Rand near Johannesburg. When 
reduced working costs make it possible, the district may 
be expected to produce a large quantity of low-grade but 
payable ore. 



CHAPTER IV 

QUARTZ REEF DISTRICTS 

Other districts in which the mines are for the most part on 
quartz reefs will now be dealt with. 

Lydenburg. 

The district which produces the most gold from these 
sources at present is that of Lydenburg, and the bulk of the 
gold won there is derived from the operations of the great 
gold mining company known as the " Transvaal Gold Mining 
Estates/' at Pilgrim's Rest. The goldfield is one of the 
oldest in the Transvaal, and formerly it supported a large 
population of diggers, who successfully worked the alluvial 
deposits. These were found especially rich in the gravels 
along the Pilgrim's Creek and the Blyde River, and it is 
estimated that nearly three-quarters of a million pounds 
worth of gold was obtained by these diggers. After a time, 
however, the Transvaal Government granted a concession 
over the area to a speculator named Benjamin, 1 and the re- 
maining diggers were bought out, and individual alluvial 
digging became practically a thing of the past. Sub- 
sequently, various companies were formed, and eventually 
a great amalgamation took place on the formation of the 
present Transvaal Gold Mining Estates. The operations 
of the company are mostly confined to working the gold- 
bearing reefs. The gold occurs in sugary-quartz layers 
interbedded in the strata of the upper Cape formation. 
These quartz layers are found either near the base or near 
the top of the dolomitic limestone, which is a notable feature 
of the formation. Dr. Molengraaf states 2 that the position 

1 See Appendix, Gold Concessions. 

2 Report of State Geologist for 1899. 

45 



46 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

of these mines with regard to the dolomite agrees with that 
of similar gold deposits at Kaapsche Hoop in the Barberton 
district. The strata dip towards the west at a comparatively 
low angle, and the district has been so eroded that deep 
valleys have been scooped out, and immense quantities of 
the rocks carried away. Some of the resultant hills left 
towering above the valleys have detached areas of the gold- 
bearing reefs still left, and the outcrops of such areas run 
round some of the conical hills like a hoop. The Theta is an 
example of this. Large quantities of highly payable ore have 
been obtained from this reef. The alluvial gold was, of course, 
derived from those portions of the reefs which have been 
eroded and washed away, the gold being left behind. There 
are numerous places in the district where payable alluvial is 
likely to exist, but neither the gold laws nor the Government 
which made them favoured the individual digger, and little 
work was being done when the War broke out. Other ore 
deposits are found in the lower strata of the upper Cape 
formation near Pilgrim's Rest. There is the rich Sherwell 
reef found on the edge of the Drakensberg, east of the Truer 
River. A typical mining camp can be seen at this place, in 
a situation at once healthy and picturesque ; from the top of 
the escarpment of the Drakensberg one can look over the 
wide valley 3000 feet below, until the vision ends in the 
blue outlines of the Lebombo range, nearly 100 miles away 
to the eastwards. All over the district there are thin quartz- 
stringers of extraordinary richness, which are found in dykes 
and sheets of decomposed diabase. Typical examples of 
these can be seen on the properties of the Lisbon-Berlyn 
and Graskop companies. These deposits, and the others 
before referred to, are being worked with more or less 
success around Pilgrim's Rest, and farther south at Spitskop 
and Mac-Mac. 

It is estimated that about .£2,000,000 of gold has been 
obtained from the district since the commencement of mining. 
The official returns show that in 1896 the value of the 
ore treated was 45s. iod. per ton. In 1897 it was 39s. 
In 1898 it was 43s. 6d., and in that year gold to the value 
of £404,354 was obtained. The Transvaal Gold Mining 



QUARTZ REEF DISTRICTS 47 

Estates Company is the largest gold producer in the district. 
Its capital is £640,000, of which 3 3,7 5 5 shares are unissued. 
For the year ending 31st March 1899, the gold produced 
was 67,123 ounces, realising £280,685 ; the net profit of 
£87,290 enabled a dividend of 10 per cent, to be paid. 
Working costs range between 17s. 6d. and 1 8s. 6d., the 
company taking advantage of the water power in the district 
to run its mills through the intermediary of electricity. 
The property covers 300 square miles, and the reef has been 
traced for a distance of thirty miles. Glynn's Lydenburg, 
another mine working similar ore to that of the Transvaal 
Gold Mining Estates, produced, in July 1899, 2169 oz., and 
in August 1789 oz. This company has entered the lists 
as a steady dividend payer. 

Barberton or De Kaap. 

Next in importance to the Lydenburg fields, if not really 
excelling them, is the great gold-bearing area of De Kaap, 
the district in which the town of Barberton is situated. 
Alluvial gold was first found here in 1875, but it was not 
until 1884 that part of the district was declared a goldfield. 
An enormously rich reef of great thickness was found in 
1886, and the famous Sheba mine commenced operations on 
it. A boom set in, and a large population soon collected ; 
but it was overdone, and when in 1887 the Witwatersrand 
conglomerates had begun to be definitely proved, many 
people left Barberton for the new fields. Although the 
district has continued to produce a comparatively large 
amount of gold every year, its first glory may be said to 
have been eclipsed, and its subsequent history over-shadowed 
by its great rival the Witwatersrand. The reefs in the 
Barberton district differ from those of both the Lydenburg 
or Witwatersrand beds in the fact that they occur in a much 
older formation than either of these, viz., the old Malmesbury 
slates and schistose rocks, sometimes called the Namaqualand 
schists, the same formation which lies directly below the 
conglomerate series of the Witwatersrand. 

The reefs are for the most part gold-bearing veins, but 



4 8 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



the Sheba reef is a quartzite with a network of thin veins of 
quartz running through it. The quartz veins are extra- 
ordinarily rich in gold. The Sheba mine must rank among 
the most remarkable gold-mines in the world ; some of the 
stopes show that a thickness of nearly ninety feet of ore has 
been taken out. The mine is situated high up among the 
hills which run along the eastern side of De Kaap ; and as a 
consequence can be worked to a certain extent by adits. 
The accounts of the Sheba Company for 1898 show that, 
although the tonnage crushed was more than double that for 
1897, the profits were only £111,000 against £173,000. 
There was a considerable fall in the grade of ore treated, 
but this is explained by the fact that the increased capacity 
of the mill rendered it possible to exploit and crush the 
large reserves of low-grade ore exposed in all stopes 
throughout the mine ; while no attempt was made to increase 
this by extracting the rich ore from the Zwartkopje block. 
For the period from 1888 to 1898 the mine paid £720,000 
in dividends. The yield per ton of ore crushed has fallen 
from the region of £10 per ton in 1896, to under 40s. per 
ton in 1899, the richer shoots so far discovered having 
been nearly exhausted. There is, however, an enormous 
reserve of low grade ore, and new shoots may be en- 
countered, and with the magnificent equipment which the 
mine possesses, good profits may be expected even from 
comparatively poor ore. There are other mines besides the 
Sheba working on quartz reef near the town of Barberton, 
some of which make fair profits, but on a smaller scale. 
Near to Barberton, about thirty miles to the south, are 
the Steynsdorp or Komati goldfields. There are numerous 
gold-bearing reefs here, but so far the refractory nature 
of the ore, together with other hindrances, has prevented 
profitable exploitation. 

In the Barberton district there is another mining centre 
at Kaapsche Hoop, where in the past a considerable amount 
of alluvial digging has been carried on, and besides semi- 
reef deposits have also been worked. 

The great difficulty about working the alluvial has been 
the uncertainty of the water supply, and if a plan could be 



QUARTZ REEF DISTRICTS 49 

found for obtaining sufficient water, an immense quantity of 
gold could be recovered from the Kaap plateau. A few in- 
dividual diggers have been working from time to time, and 
occasionally one or two have met with phenomenal success. 
Numerous large nuggets have been found. This alluvial 
gold is undoubtedly the result of concentration in the course 
of ages from the great deposits of low grade ore which has 
been washed away in the progress of denudation of the 
dolomite rocks with their [accompanying gold-bearing layers. 
The alluvial gold is found mostly along well-defined lines. 

The reef or semi-reef deposits which are worked occupy 
the same geological position, as has already been mentioned, 
to that of the gold-mines at Pilgrim's Rest. Dr. Molengraaf, 1 
the State geologist, thus describes the ore and the method of 
working : — 

" At Barretts-Berlin, a dark brown tufaceous earth rich in iron, 
decomposed pyrites, and manganese, is mined in big open quarries 
and treated for gold. After being ground in an ordinary mortar 
mill, such as is used in the Netherlands in trassmills, the gold 
is recovered from the entire stuff at once by the cyanide process. 
Irregular stringers of quartz intersect the deposit in various directions, 
while the true nature of the formation is indicated only in a few 
places by huge blocks of dolomite. 

" It is evident that we have to deal with the decomposed and 
disintegrated lower beds of the dolomite formation, which, however, 
also appear to have been somewhat differently developed previous 
to their being exposed to the weathering forces. Possibly diabase 
and diabase tuff have played a greater part here than elsewhere in 
this formation." 

The Barretts-Berlin Company is making good profits 
from treating this brown tufaceous earth in the manner 
described, although it only contains between 4 and 5 dwts. 
per ton. This Company is also interesting as showing the 
cheapest working costs of any mine in the Transvaal. During 
the year ended February 1899, the working cost amounted 
to us. 5jd. per ton, and the profit on operations was 6s. 3jd. 
per ton. During the past five years the total cost of mining 
and treatment has fallen from 17s. to a minimum of I is. 4^d. 
The dividend earned was at the rate of 7 J per cent. 

On the same plateau, at Kaapsche Hoop, lying farther 

1 Report for 1898. 



50 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

down in the upper Cape formation, there are layers of 
gold-bearing conglomerates which are equivalent to the 
conglomerate of the Black reef series of the Rand. Patches 
of this conglomerate are known to be extremely rich, but 
comparatively little work has been done. 

Besides the alluvial found on the top of the plateau it has 
recently been discovered that there are valuable deposits at 
the foot of the gorges and along the streams which flow 
down the Kaap valley. The Kaap plateau, it must be under- 
stood, rises in the form of an abrupt krantz or mountain on 
the western side of the wide De Kaap valley, about twenty- 
five miles from the town of Barberton. Standing on the 
edge of the plateau one gets a magnificent panoramic view 
of the valley 3000 feet below. Down there, as has just 
been stated, there is gold, and in payable quantities, but it 
can be obtained only at the risk of fever during part of the 
year. Above, on the plateau itself, there is a large field for 
work, and the climate is healthy in the extreme. 

The State Mining Engineer reports for 1898 : — 

" The past year has left its mark as one of exceptional 
pressure on financial affairs. The immediate results are a 
noticeable lessening of the income, which is easily seen by 
referring to the annexed financial statement." 

" As will be seen, the greatest lessening occurs under the 
heading of Claim licences and Transfer dues. A number of 
claims have lapsed, and little business was done. The 
statement referred to shows that at 31st December 1898 
there were 10,743 claims less than on the same day of the 
year before; there was in 1898 less transferring of pro- 
perties, which indicates the dulness of business." 

Swaziland. 1 

Ten or fifteen years ago Swaziland was looked upon as a 
coming El Dorado. The quartz specimens and the alluvial 
nuggets obtained on Forbes Concession and at the Clydesdale 
near Pigg's Peak were considered to be characteristic of the 
whole country. 

1 See Memorandum on Swaziland Concessions, by W. P. Fraser, in Appendix 
F 2. 



QUARTZ REEF DISTRICTS 51 

Whether the bright prospect which the country appeared 
to show at a time when it was more or less terra incognita 
will be realised is still uncertain. Payable areas are most 
likely to be found in the concessions running along the 
northern and western borders between Darkton and the 
Horo — that is, the highlands adjoining the Transvaal opposite 
to the Komati goldfields and the Sheba. These gold-bearing 
areas have yielded at Forbes Reef, Pigg's Peak, and from 
other mines some hundreds of thousand of ounces, and may 
be looked upon as the eastern ends of the De Kaap gold belt. 
Farther eastwards down to the King's Kraal, and away south, 
a considerable amount of capital has been unavailingly ex- 
pended in the search of payable reefs. The best that can 
be said of Swaziland as a factor in the mineral wealth of the 
country is that it has undoubted possibilities. 

A property near Pigg's Peak known as Black Diamond 
Creek was being worked just prior to hostilities. The ore is 
a soft schist and is reduced by a ball-mill driven by an oil 
engine. The ore consists of a talcose schist known by 
some as the Swaziland schist, and apparently contempora- 
neous with the Barberton schists. It is soft, and can be broken 
out with a pick almost anywhere, and carries free gold of 
very fine grade. It requires no dynamite, and is quarried 
by open workings, the trucks being run up to the face. 
It runs in places 6 and 10 dwts., and is expected to average 
5 dwts. Working costs are so low that 3 dwts. cover every- 
thing. This is an entirely new auriferous formation to most 
people, but it is a very hopeful discovery, and, while illustra- 
ting the possibilities of a new country like Swaziland, shows 
the advisability of educating public opinion abroad to the 
dangers of conservation in the matter of mineralogical pros- 
pects. At one time the greatest experts would have sneered 
at Banket beds ultimately proving to be the richest auriferous 
strata in the world. To-day there are many who will 
fling their money away on worthless mines, which have 
returned nothing after many years' development, &c, rather 
than exploit a cheaply worked schistose formation such as 
Swaziland has been proved to possess. 



5 2 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



General Remarks on the Barberton District. 

Quartz mining, unless the local and economic conditions 
are extremely favourable, is necessarily of a speculative 
character. Shoots of gold, which are of irregular occurrence 
in the run of the reef, must be very rich to make up for the 
very considerable expense in cutting through dead ground, 
and then again where the reef consists of patchy rocks, 
where chance alone reveals payable gold, the dividend pay- 
ing outlook is very problematical. When, therefore, mining 
costs, as well as the cost of living, are unduly high owing to 
the impositions of concessions and extraordinary fiscal and 
railway tariffs, it is obvious that a purely quartz reef dis- 
trict, such as De Kaap, has had a bad chance in the past. 
Many of the mines were showing up remarkably well when 
the War broke out. De Kaap propositions should first of all 
be put to the test of development before they are formed 
into large companies. Development companies with a total 
capital of from £20,000 to £50,000, and whose cash working 
limit is not less than from £10,000 to £30,000, should begin 
on the surface prospect of the ground and open up the reefs 
sufficiently both in depth and along the strike to prove their 
permanently payable nature. When the initial company has 
proved a success, a large company may be floated, and this 
company should have at least £75,000 in cash for the purpose 
of further development and equipment. On the Rand, mining 
has been reduced to a business science, in which nothing 
is begrudged in order to make the equipment thoroughly 
efficient. On De Kaap and other quartz fields the habit has 
been to under-estimate the cost and over-estimate the milling 
value of the ore. The secret of quartz reef mining, then, 
is to (1) carefully choose the ground; (2) exploit it as 
thoroughly as may be with the working capital set aside 
from a low capitalised development company; (3) only when 
the ground shows up well, and extraction costs and assay 
yields over all are favourable to ask the public for the large 
sum necessary to place the proposition on a dividend paying 
basis. Given these precautions, the De Kaap goldfields 



QUARTZ REEF DISTRICTS 53 

should, in a few years, become once more the centre of a large 
industry. It is the many failures of the past, caused by an 
utter disregard of the primary requirements of mining in 
quartz as opposed to the more certain banket beds of the 
Rand, that has earned for De Kaap a reputation which has 
retarded the proper development of its undoubted mineral 
resources. While this applies especially to De Kaap, it is ap- 
plicable to every quartz reef district in South Africa from the 
Knysna to the Zambesi, with, perhaps, this difference, that 
none are more highly mineralised, and few offer more sub- 
stantial advantages to the discriminating speculator, than the 
one under review. 

In the De Kaap district, including Barberton, there are 
many reefs which in other countries would be looked upon as 
inviting mining propositions, but which are here neglected ; 
again, the remark applies that the new Government may find 
methods to develop the resources of the district by encourag- 
ing the reduction of working costs. The total value of the 
gold production in 1898 was £305,912, the average value per 
ton 32.32 shillings. From the Swaziland fields gold to the 
value of £28,395 was obtained in 1898; the average per ton 
was 1 8. 1 1 shillings. 

The Northern Goldfields. 

These fields have had a chequered history. On them, 
the first mine to be worked in the Transvaal, the " Eerste- 
ling," was discovered. The reefs are fissure veins of quartz, 
occurring in the belts of old Namaqualand schists which run 
in an east and west direction between masses of granite. 
They belong to the same geological formation as that in 
which the rich copper ores in Namaqualand are found. At 
many places very rich lodes have been discovered, but as 
usual with quartz in South Africa, great differences of value 
occur within limited distances along the strike of the reefs ; 
possibly for this reason, but also for others, viz., the un- 
healthy climate of the districts in which the reefs occur, 
troubles with the natives, the lack of railway communication, 
and other drawbacks mining has not progressed in a satisfac- 



54 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

tory manner in the district. The State Mining Engineer in 
his report remarks as follows : — 



ZOUTPANSBERG. 

" There is, to say the least, no noticeable improvement or pro- 
gress of the mining industry of Zoutpansberg. 

" I think the Raad ought really to take into consideration any 
means to advance the exploitation of the gold-bearing ground in 
unhealthy regions, to grant it out, and thus encourage prospecting 
on the ground. The rights of the holders in these grants should be 
properly kept within the limits. Time and experience have shown 
that it will be of no avail to make the conditions of exploitation the 
same as on healthy districts. The expenses under the circumstances 
of the exploitation, coupled with the expenses of forwarding of 
food stuffs (in spite of the railway) and machinery, &c, are too high, 
and the fever and general unhealthiness are too discouraging to 
entice the prospector thereto, and to risk his life and capital. 

" There is every reason for the belief in the suitability of this 
region for the growing of tropical and subtropical plants, though, 
seeing that the best places are proclaimed, these remain closed for 
this industry, therefore it is desirable that prospecting be encouraged 
as much as possible, so as to make it possible to secure a proper 
and speedy exploitation. If within say two or three years no im- 
portant discoveries have been made, then the ground proclaimed 
can be withdrawn, and become disposable for the other industry of 
the land, viz., agriculture. I confirm the opinion that the Zout- 
pansberg goldfield is the most extensive in the land." 

The benefits that would have been derived from the Pre- 
toria- Pietersberg Railway had not time to make themselves felt 
before the outbreak of war, and the notorious Selati Railway 
had not yet reached the fields, nor was it likely to do so for 
many years to come. The best account of the economical 
importance of part of the district is to be found in a paper by 
Mr. C. Wilson Moore, read before the Geological Society of 
South Africa. 1 In that paper he describes the Klein Letaba 
gold zone as " being narrow, and broken into scattered 
sections." It may be noted that this field had a brief period 
of fame in the years 1892 and 1895, principally owing to 
the phenomenal results obtained for a time on the Birthday 
Mine. Returns fell away however, and the reef either 

1 "Economic Value of the Murchison Range," C. Wilson Moore. Trans. 
Geo. Soc. South Africa^ vol. i., p. 56. 



QUARTZ REEF DISTRICTS 55 

pinched out or was cut off by a dyke, and has not again been 
located. The greatest production from this mine was in 1892, 
when it produced 13,618 oz. 

The Murchison Gold Belt. 

In the paper by Mr. Wilson Moore referred to, a detailed 
description is given of the gold belt of the Murchison range, 
which runs through the mining districts of Marabastad, 
Woodbush, Thabine, and Selati. Regarding this auriferous 
belt, he remarks : — 

" Hitherto the auriferous quartz reefs of South Africa have with 
one or two notable exceptions, to which I need not more particularly 
refer, failed to extend through any practical number of claims, being 
more or less lenticular in shape, the workable area being naturally 
very small. In the case of the Murchison range, the reefs or lodes 
run for quite the distance I have stated (forty miles), over which 
length of country they have been actually proved." 

The reefs are highly mineralised quartz veins containing 
antimony, iron, copper, and gold. One is almost pure 
stibnite or sulphide of antimony. This reef at the Gravelotte 
Mine is impregnated with gold. This antimony reef occurs 
in a northern line of the belt. A southern line, known as the 
La France President Southern line, is also described in Mr. 
Moore's paper. The principal reef is stated to be 18 inches 
in thickness, and is estimated to yield about 12 dwts. to the 
ton. It is proved, with the exception of one or two gaps, 
for about fifteen miles. Mr. Wilson Moore estimated that 
this line of reef, down to a depth of 1000 feet, should yield 
£25,000,000 value in gold. The northern line he estimated 
to be capable of producing £20,000,000 of gold besides a 
large value in antimony if worked down to a similar depth. 
Mr. Douglas S. S. Stewart, B.Sc, thus sums up the gold- 
fields of the Murchison in a paper read before the Institution 
of Mining Engineers : — 

" First, There are a number of localities in the Murchison range 
in which reefs 2 feet to 8 feet wide have been proved to a depth of 
100 feet, and containing rich chutes of ore ; in some cases rich in 
antimony, yielding as much as 10 oz. of gold per ton, and these, in 
some instances, appear to be of considerable extent, although it is 



56 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



not principally in such that the economic value of the gold belt 
depends. 

" Second, That there are numerous lodes, some of them con- 
taining antimony, which have been traced intermittently from ten to 
forty miles, and proved in many places to a depth of ioo feet, which 
yield from i to 2 oz. of gold per ton from ore bodies having an 
average width of about 3 feet. 

" Third, That there are numerous lodes, mostly ferruginous, 
some proved to a depth of 150 feet and others quite undeveloped, 
containing ore bodies 5 to 8 feet in width, which give uniform yield 
throughout of 10 dwts. to 1 oz. of gold per ton. All the gold in 
these reefs being free milling to a depth of about 150 feet, below 
which auriferous pyrites occur." 

The State Mining Engineer reports the following values 
for the whole of Zoutpansberg goldfields : — For 1896, 27.65 
shillings per ton; for 1 897, 5 1. 92 shillings per ton; and 
for 1898, 31.44 shillings per ton. 



Pretoria. 

Near Pretoria there are some promising quartz reefs, and 
some work has already been done on their western extension. 
The late President did not encourage work on these fields, 
not wishing to have a goldfield and its population so near his 
throne. There was, however, not much danger of a new 
Johannesburg arising. 



Other Goldfields. 

There remain one or two unconsidered trifles in the way 
of goldfields in the Transvaal. On the border near Mafeking 
quartz reefs have been prospected and worked intermittently 
at Malmani. One reef, known as the Mitchell Reef, gave 
promising prospects, but exploitation is rendered difficult by 
the great quantities of water encountered ; for some years 
past little work has been done on the fields. There are also 
the Vryheid goldfields near Zululand. Here an amount of 
work has been done on banket beds similar to those on the 
Witwatersrand, but the company carrying on the work did 
not meet with success, although the ore is believed to have 
a value of from 6 to 10 dwts. per ton. Recently dis- 



QUARTZ REEF DISTRICTS 57 

coveries have been made of quartz reefs yielding phenome- 
nally rich assays in the same district near the Pongolo River. 
Sufficient work has not, however, been done to prove the per- 
manent payability of the reefs. 

This description of the goldfields of the Transvaal, which 
chiefly contain gold-bearing quartz reefs, and the results of 
work done on them, must bring the reader to the conclusion 
that they cannot at all be compared with the extraordinary 
resources of the Witwatersrand deposits. While this con- 
clusion is justifiable, still in any other country than the 
Transvaal these would be considered fields of great com- 
mercial value, and every encouragement would be given to 
their development. So long, of course, as the Witwatersrand 
offers such magnificent opportunities for capital and labour, 
these other fields will be comparatively neglected unless 
special inducements are offered. To this end some sugges- 
tions regarding the gold laws of the country will be made 
later in this book. If successful mining communities were 
established here and there over these fields they would be a 
direct gain to the country in providing local markets for agri- 
cultural produce, and centres of commercial and industrial 
life, where at present only wild and uncultivated country is 
to be found, and where only ignorance and hatred of every- 
thing progressive prevails. 



CHAPTER V 

THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 

After the conclusion arrived at in the previous chapters, it 
must at least be admitted that the Transvaal contains an 
amount of potential wealth in its gold deposits far in excess 
of what most people believed possible. The total arrived at 
for the Witwatersrand, after vigorous pruning and a final 
deduction of 25 per cent, to prevent any possibility of over- 
estimate, came out at ;£2,i 53,382,938. No confident esti- 
mate was come to of the value of the greater practically 
unprospected and unproved Rand, and only a general idea 
has been put forward of the other goldfields. The total 
gold-bearing area in the Transvaal is stated by Professor 
Becker to be 55,000 square miles, and it will not be sur- 
prising if within a few years, when not only the deep levels 
of the present working Rand, but its extensions east and 
west are further developed and worked, and when the other 
goldfields which have been briefly described have had more 
attention paid to them, that it will come to be generally 
accepted that a production of from 3000 to 4000 millions in 
pounds sterling may be quite a possible, and even probable, 
estimate for the Transvaal. But leaving controversial ques- 
tions as to higher figures of value out of consideration it 
will be agreed on all hands that the Transvaal contains 
such vast resources in gold that the laws regulating the 
exploitation of the mines are of the first and most vital 
importance. 

The present chapter is devoted to an examination 
of the gold laws of the late Republic, and to the general 
far-reaching consequences which their past influence has 

brought about. 

58 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 59 

Features of the Gold Law. 
The fundamental basis of the present law is stated in 
Art. 1 as follows : — " Art. I. — The right of mining for and 
disposing of all precious stones and precious metals belongs 
to the State." Art. 2 extends the principle to silver and 
quicksilver and other precious metals, and states as follows : — 
" This law is applicable to gold, and, further, to silver and 
quicksilver, if the latter are found as pure metals, and to such 
other precious metals as the State President, with the advice 
and consent of the Executive Council, with reference to this 
article of this law shall make known." 

Having in this clear and unmistakable manner set forth 
the right of the State to all the gold in the country, the law 
proceeds to lay down the conditions on which private persons 
and companies may be allowed to engage in gold-mining for 
their own benefit, and what consideration the State demands 
for these privileges. One of the first cares on the part of 
the late Transvaal Government was to frame conditions so 
that the burghers of the State, who in the first instance were 
and are still, in many cases, the owners of the farm on which 
gold exists, should derive an immediate benefit from their 
good fortune. And from the beginning the conditions have 
always carefully secured this favourable treatment of the 
owners of the ground, but, as will be seen later, the policy 
to a great extent defeated its own ends. 

The present law provides that before a farm can be pro- 
claimed the owner may select a portion of the farm not 
exceeding one-tenth of the total area, over which he receives 
from the Government a mynpacht or mining lease. For this 
he pays annually 10s. per morgen, the Government having 
the right, however, to take 2 J per cent, of the gold won 
instead of the rental. 

The owner may further secure all the gold covered by 
his werf 1 or homestead, including gardens and cultivated lands. 
Over these areas he can obtain a mynpacht or mining lease 
on the same terms as on an ordinary mynpacht. This werf 
area was limited to one-thirtieth of the total area of the farm. 

1 Morgen - 2-& acres. Mynpacht = Mining lease. Werf = Homestead. 
Vergunning = first permission or selection. 



60 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

In 1898 the Volksraad passed an alteration in the Gold 
Law, whereby it was provided that werf rights should be 
obtainable over all cultivated lands on a farm. 1 This did 
away with the restriction to one-thirtieth of the area. On 
several farms about to be proclaimed great areas were imme- 
diately ploughed, and areas were secured to the owners far in 
excess of reasonable right, considering even the intention and 
spirit of the law itself. 

The owner has, further, the first choice of pegging a 
number of owners' claims, and a number of vergunning, or 
first selection claims, 2 in all, about ninety claims, and for these 
he pays the same licence-money as the public, namely, 5s. 
per claim per month. The vergunning claims are not actually 
pegged by the owner, but are secured in the following 
manner : — The owner gives written permission to some one 
to peg the number allowed by law, according to the size of 
the farm. The holder of this permission pegs the claims 
before proclamation, and afterwards he can sell them to the 
owner or the owner's company or nominee. 

After these owner's privileges have been secured the farm 
may be proclaimed a public diggings, and the public can peg 
the remaining claims on payment of 5 s. per month per claim. 

The owner receives from the Government one-half of the 
revenue from the claim licences collected from his farm. 
That is, for every 5 s. paid per month the owner receives 
2s. 6d. On some farms this means a revenue to the owner 
of £jooo or £8000 per annum, although the farm may 
never have actually produced any gold. 

The owner having first choice can select the best ground, 
especially that nearest the outcrops (as illustrated by the 
diagrams annexed). 

It will be seen that the owners of the ground have a 
splendid position. They not only get all the best ground at 
a low rate, but they derive a perpetual revenue from their more 
unfortunate rivals, who have to take the less valuable ground. 

1 The official size of a Transvaal farm is 3750 morgen ( = 7500 acres), but 
there is considerable variation. 

2 Claim = 150 x 400 Cape feet, or 155 x 413 English feet. The 150 feet is 
measured along the "strike," and the 400 feet on the "dip." 




NORTH. 



Claims North of outcrop containing no reef 
open to the public to peg at 5/' per claim 
per annum. 






Owners Mynpacht held 1 * IOf- per /Owners werfsame as \ Owners and verqun 
morgan or aboutS/8 per claim / mynpacht \ ninq claims. 

per annum I \ 




Owner's werf same 
as mynpacht 



Remaining open for public to peg at 5/~ per claim per monrh 
2/6 of v/iiich goes to the owner 



SOUTH. 



i „, Owner's areas,to a considerable extent 
t u % held under mynpach^at rental of 10,'- 
'w 5 per morgen yer annum equal to 
' a tr abourS'c) per c-'aim per annum 
i o 
I 



Claims open to public (w/i per 
annum half of which rental 
goes to the owner and half 
,'othe qovernmpnr 



I Unproclaimed 




TYPICAL GOLD FARM 
Showing the portions secured by the owner previous to proclamation. 

My7ipacht, or mining lease ; IVerf areas, or homestead and cultivated lands ; owner's claims ; 
and Ver gunning ) or first selection claims. Also areas remaining open to the puhlic. 

In Plnn and Section. 















' 






THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 61 

While at first the law was formed to benefit the Boers, 
as a fact it does so in only a comparatively small degree, 
because in nearly every case the Boer owner sells his farm 
before proclamation. 

Having attempted to delegate to individuals of their own 
nationality great part of the benefits to be derived from the 
right to the gold which they originally assert to belong to the 
State, and having only succeeded in delegating it to several 
groups of capitalists, the Government secured for itself, by 
the law, certain benefits, which however bear an insignifi- 
cant proportion to those which it had given away. They 
consist of the mynpacht dues, the Government share of the 
licences on private ground, and the licences derived from 
ground belonging to the Government itself. Lately, and 
only towards the end of its reign, did the Government begin 
to realise the situation which the gold laws had created, and 
it was enacted that 5 per cent, should be paid by the mining 
companies on all dividends earned from the mines. The 
Government also finally refused to give up to the companies 
the undermining rights on the bewaarplaatsen. These be- 
waarplaatsen, literally reserved places, are pieces of ground 
lying for the most part south of the outcrops of the reefs, 
which were applied for by the companies for battery sites, 
houses, depositing places for tailings, water-rights, and other 
purposes. The title granted conveyed the use of the surface 
only, and was secured by the payment of a lower rate of 
licence than that payable on claims. At the time when these 
surface rights were secured the ground was not known for 
certain to contain the continuation in depth of the valuable 
gold-bearing beds, the outcrops of which the mines were work- 
ing. Later these were found to extend under these places, 
and even far beyond them, and the leaders of the mining 
industry asked for undermining rights also. Arguments were 
laid before the Second Volksraad by the Chamber of Mines 
as follows : — 

" That the mining companies by opening up the reefs and deter- 
mining their dip have been the means of proving that the reefs 
continue under the bewaarplaatsen, and are of value. That this 
information has been made use of by speculators to endeavour to 



62 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

forestall the mining companies and claim holders, and deprive them 
of their equitable right to obtain licences to mine under their 
bewaarplaatsen. 

" That the proposal to sell such undermining rights by auction, 
and to compel the companies or claim-holders to pay a big price 
for rights to which they are already equitably entitled, or to suffer 
the loss of them altogether, is unjust to the companies and claim- 
holders and opposed to the principle of the Gold Law, under which 
it is provided that claims shall be given out at a fixed monthly 
rental. That your memorialists claim, that through their enterprise 
and the expenditure of large sums of money, they have developed 
this great mining industry, proved the value of the reefs in depth, 
and established the prosperity of the Republic on a firm and 
assured basis, and that, therefore, they are fairly entitled to a liberal 
interpretation of the law, and to be given a preference as licence- 
holders of the surface over all speculators who seek to obtain the 
fruits of the efforts put forth by the mining industry." 

To all which it might justly be retorted that the com- 
panies had already derived a princely recompense for their 
efforts in the dividends from the mines that the Government 
had granted them on most liberal terms. 

The matter was debated during several sessions of the 
Volksraad, and finally, although the Second Volksraad 
hesitated, the Government refused to comply with the re- 
quest of the Chamber of Mines, and stood upon the owner- 
ship of the State to the gold under the Bewaarplaatsen area, 
which it had never alienated. What principle chiefly actu- 
ated the Government at this time it is difficult to say. In 
going through the correspondence and the debates in the 
Volksraad one cannot find any clear principle at all ; but 
what should have actuated them is, that the companies 
ought to have secured the ground within the time specified 
by the law, and having failed to do so they lost any claim 
to the gold rights in question. The value of these Bewaar- 
plaatsen is dealt with in Chapter VII. The gold rights 
of these areas therefore remained, under the provisions of 
the Gold Law, the property of the Government. 

In a similar manner, the gold rights over all ground 

which has not been proclaimed, nor in any other manner 

alienated, equally remains the property of the Government. 

This is clearly laid down in the following extract 1 from an 

1 Report, Chamber of Mines, for 1899, page 187. 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 63 

opinion given by Messrs. Solomon & Thomson, Solicitors to 
the Witwatersrand Gold Mining Co. 

Johannesburg, 18 th February 1898. 

The Secretary, 

Witwatersrand G. M. Co., 
Johannesburg. 

Re Abandoned Claims. 

Dear Sir,— With reference to your query whether claims 
situated on a private proclaimed farm having been abandoned by 
reason of the non-payment of licences, and subsequently sold by 
the Government, you, as owner of the freehold on that farm, are 
entitled to any portion of the proceeds of the sale, we beg to state 
that, under the Gold Law, minerals are vested in the State, and all 
licence moneys which are paid by claim-holders are paid to the 
Government in respect of their right to such minerals. 

The Government, however, pay over to the owners a proportion 
of such licences, by reason of their being deprived of their right 
to the surface of the ground of which they are the owners. 

When, therefore, any claims are abandoned by reason of non- 
payment of the licence such claims revert to the Government, who 
become the owners of those claims, and provision is made how such 
claims are then to be dealt with by the Government. 

(Signed) Solomon & Thomson. 

This will be an important factor in considering the future 
gold laws which may be ordered by the new Government. 

It will be seen from the foregoing description that the 
Government, even under the Gold Law, in no case absolutely 
disposes of its ownership of the gold, but only leases and 
gives out from time to time the right of working certain 
defined areas, reserving to itself, in practice, the right to 
alter the conditions on which these areas may be leased 
should it think fit. 

Effects of the Gold Law. 

It now remains to consider what have been the effects 
of the law during the past fifteen years. The visible general 
effect has been to throw the greater part of the wealth of 
the Witwatersrand into the hands of a few powerful financial 
groups. Before describing in detail how this has happened, 
let it be clearly understood that there is no intention nor 
desire to engage in accusations against capital. All men 



64 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

who think for a moment must see that on such goldfields as 
the Rand, where the greater amount of the gold is buried 
at depths of from iooo to 7000 feet, it is absolutely 
necessary that capital should be employed, and, so far from 
discouraging capitalists, the endeavour of the Government 
should be to welcome them in every way possible, and by 
encouraging them with the opportunity of adequate reward, to 
induce them to open up mines, which, without capital, would 
necessarily lie useless ; but, on the other hand, it is dis- 
tinctly the intention to point out where the gold laws of the 
Transvaal, while to a great measure laudably encouraging 
capitalists, have distinctly discouraged and overburdened 
individual effort. Even on those fields it would have been 
possible, while affording capital adequate encouragement, to 
have made the laws so that the ordinary man would also 
have had a chance, and so that instead of the wealth being 
heaped up in the coffers of the few, it would have been more 
evenly distributed and thus have insured a wider and more 
general prosperity. 

Curie, in his "Gold Mines of the World," p. 220, states 
regarding Charters Towers Goldfields in Queensland : — 

" Charters Towers is a flourishing town. In no town of its size 
in the whole world, probably, are there so many working-men, 
miners, foremen, and such like, who are worth at least ^"iooo each, 
either in cash or in property, as here. Nearly all the dividends 
from the mines are distributed locally, and there is always ample 
capital forthcoming, locally, for any really promising mining venture." 

If the Transvaal laws had been different, a like state of 
affairs might have existed on the Rand. 

The Capitalists and the late Government. 

In passing, it may be useful to assert authoritatively here 
that the impression which seems to be prevalent in England 
and elsewhere, that the Rand capitalists brought about the 
War, rests more on want of knowledge than on fact. The 
capitalists, no doubt, tried to squeeze or cajole the Transvaal 
Government into conceding certain demands affecting mostly 
their own interests, and on the Education question, the Drink 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 65 

question, and others, they even, if you will, tried to secure 
better government. But the final stand for justice, which 
was made by the people generally, at first obtained little 
support from them. 

At the annual meeting of the Chamber of Mines, held on 
1 2th January 1899, Mr. Rouliot, in his speech from the 
chair, stated, inter alia : — 

" What I want to tell our Government is this : We want to help 
you ; we want to work with you for the good of the country ; but do 
not render the task impossible by a prejudiced conviction, and by 
always rejecting our advances with contempt. 

"Whilst reviewing the events of the past year, I cannot help 
referring to the attitude taken up by the local press, and the influence 
it exercises over the public mind. On one side I personally depre- 
cate this perpetual, ever-ready criticism against any act of Pretoria, 
even if the facts could be construed so as to justify it. Constant 
nagging is undignified, and conducive to no good ; it serves only to 
irritate, without bringing any advantage." 

In fact, it is a matter of common knowledge that the big 
houses endeavoured in various ways to hold the popular 
voice in check, and one financial house even dismissed an 
important member of its staff because he insisted on fulfilling 
his public duty as President of the South African League. 
It was only when they perceived that the inevitable crisis 
was arriving that the majority of the capitalists heartily 
ranged themselves on the side which demanded the safe- 
guarding of British rights and interests, and just and equal 
government. The Reform movement was merely a game of 
bluff, which, had it not been for Dr. Jameson, might have 
succeeded in its object, namely, the establishment within the 
Transvaal of a solid Republican Government. Many burghers 
at that time were dissatisfied with the Government, and would 
have supported an internal movement for reform. The flag 
of the Reformers of 1895-96 was that of the South African 

Republic. 

Nor was the attitude of the wealthy interests to be 
wondered at. German and French capital is largely interested 
and represented on the Rand, and a war would be likely to 
cause great immediate loss to all investors in Rand mines. 
The mines themselves might be destroyed, and twenty millions 



E 



66 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

of damage might be done to them and their machinery. Some 
of the financiers were of the same opinion as their friends, 
the Boers, that the result of the War was not a certainty for 
Great Britain, and that even if it should finally be won by 
her, that in any case it would be a struggle, long drawn out. 
Nor have events proved that they were far wrong. Let 
people in Britain inquire into this matter, and especially let 
the leaders of the Liberal party do so, and they will find that 
they are hitting their own friends, in many cases, when they 
condemn the War on the ground that it was brought about by 
capitalists. It was a combination of the Conservative, the 
Liberal, the Radical, and even the Irish National parties of 
Johannesburg which demanded justice and fair treatment, as 
white men, from the Transvaal Government. Nearly all the 
Britishers stood together, and they were joined eventually by 
many of the capitalists, most of the Americans, many Colonial, 
both of Dutch and British descent, and by others of all nation- 
alities. 

The parties who were quite satisfied to leave things as 
they were under the old Government are exactly those on 
whom the Radicals in England may well expend their in- 
vectives. The monopolists, a few of the financiers, the 
concessionaries on the one hand, and the illicit drink sellers, 
the illicit gold buyers, and their protectors the corrupt 
officials on the other hand, were equally loath to see the 
Transvaal Government in serious danger; and this for the 
simple reason that they could never hope to obtain another 
which would so well suit their interests. The same com- 
bination—the Liberals, Conservatives, Radicals — which made 
up the party beseeching fair treatment from the Transvaal 
Government, now ask for the same from Great Britain. 

Before proceeding it must be stated that those capitalists 
who, although at first against the demand for Justice being 
pushed to an extremity, but who afterwards threw in their 
lot with their fellows, have since energetically taken up 
the Imperial side. They have contributed liberally to the 
various relief funds. They have equipped and supported 
several splendid fighting corps, among others the famous 
Imperial Light Horse. Some of them have not done their 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 67 

duty merely by proxy, but have gone into the thick of the 
battle themselves, and fought with bravery and distinction. 
Further, they have expended immense sums in supporting 
their employees, by allowing them half-pay during the War. 
They have not been niggardly in parting with some of their 
wealth to their fellow-men of the Rand since the pinch became 
severe. In fact, the great sums which they have provided 
voluntarily must, in many cases, have proved a serious drain 
on even their resources, especially seeing that the payments 
have been spread over a long period, when their mines were 
producing nothing, except what was taken by the enemy, 
and when the market value of their properties was continually 
falling. All these things must be reckoned to the Rand 
capitalists for good. They have during the War kept thou- 
sands from starvation. If they continue to acknowledge 
the duties of wealth as well as its privileges, they need not 
fear the attacks of extremists. 

Yet, although the part played by many of the capitalists 
since the crisis has deserved every praise, this does not alter 
the fact that under the old regime money was the most power- 
ful factor in determining many of the laws, and that naturally 
the wealthy men made the most of their opportunity. 

It can be shown by reference to memorials presented to 
the Volksraad by the Chamber of Mines that the leaders of 
the mining community often endeavoured to get the laws 
passed to their liking and they very often succeeded. How 
it was done may perhaps be imagined by those acquainted 
with Johannesburg-Pretoria diplomacy. The alterations of 
the werf right clause in the gold law, whereby instead of sVth 
of the farm an unlimited extent was made securable by the 
owner, has always been a mystery. The Volksleden 2 in 
making the alterations must have been fully aware that they 
were only securing enormous benefits for the very people—- 
the capitalists — they were professing to hold as their 
enemies. The phraseology of some of the reports of the 
Chamber of Mines confirms the influence they had over the 

1 Captains George and J. P. Farrar have been mentioned in Lord Roberts' 
Despatches, and have both been awarded the D.S.O. 

2 Members of the Volksraad or Parliament. 



68 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Volksraad. For instance, on page 94, Chamber of Mines 
Report, 1895 : — 

"At the suggestion of the Chamber, as embodied in the memo- 
rial presented to the Volksraad, a number of important amendments 
were last year inserted in the Gold Law. 



" Memorial of Chamber of Mines to the Government. 

"That while under Articles 102 and 103 of the Gold Law it is 
provided that upon the sale of abandoned diggers' claims, which 
have been specially registered, or for which application for special 
registration has been made and is being proceeded with, from the 
proceeds of such sale all moneys due to the Government shall first 
be paid and the remainder be divided equally between the State and 
the owner of the farm, under Article 86, upon the sale of abandoned 
claims whether held under diggers' or prospectors' licences, not 
specially registered, the whole of the proceeds of such sale go to the 
State. 

" That, therefore, the owners of farms on which the claims have 
not been specially registered, obtain no compensation for the loss 
sustained in licence money by reason of such claims not being 
peggable during the three months as provided by law. 

" Wherefore, your memorialists pray your honourable House to 
amend Article 86 of the Gold Law, by adding after the words, ' sold 
by public auction,' in the second paragraph of the said Article, the 
following words, ' out of the proceeds the expenses connected with 
the sale shall first be paid to the State, and of the remainder half 
shall be paid to the State and the other half to the owner of the 
farm,' and to amend Article 102 by expunging the words from 
'Article 86 to registered claims ' inclusive. — And your memorialists 
will ever pray." 

The request was granted by the Volksraad. No wonder 
the big houses are quite willing that all arrear licences 
accrued during the War should be enforced, and that they 
have only the mildest of objections to make against Lord 
Roberts' proclamation ordering payment. 

" It is proposed to take away from the owner of a farm or portion 
thereof his present right to obtain a mynpacht for the whole of his 
homestead ground. 

" That your memorialists would respectfully submit that it is not 
desirable that there should be such a restriction of owners' rights." 

The Chamber's request was granted by the Volksraad. 
Witness the attitude in this memorial where any restrictions 
of owners' rights is deprecated. 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 69 

These instances are only a few among the many, and are 
only quoted to show that far from there having been a 
continual condition of antagonism between the capitalists and 
the Volksraad, on many occasions legislation was moulded 
to their wishes, and the members of both Volksraad and 
Chamber were individually often on the best of terms. In 
fairness it must be added that many of the memorials pre- 
sented to the Volksraad by the Chamber of Mines prayed for 
reforms and amendments of general usefulness and benefit to 
the whole community. But it was not always so. There 
was, for instance, no protest on behalf of peggers and pros- 
pectors when the granting of mynpachts was allowed over 
unlimited werf areas, giving the owners great areas of valuable 
ground which should rightly have been left for the public 
to peg. The alteration was noted in the Chamber of 
Mines' reports in language which conveys an impression of 
gratified satisfaction. If owners' rights had been trenched 
upon it would have been another matter. Prospectors and 
peggers are evidently in the minds of the members of the 
Chamber of Mines beyond the pale of the " Industry." They 
are looked upon as only useful for providing them with a 
convenient revenue in the shape of their moiety of the 
claims' licences which they are particular to save intact. 
Witness the memorial to the Volksraad on that question just 
quoted. It will be gathered that the Chamber of Mines 
jealously looked after the interests of the houses of which the 
Chamber is the representative, and that any question was 
always looked at from the point of view of warding off any 
encroachment on their privileges. 

Before the War all the capitalists kept up a chorus of 
approval of the Gold Law, and even now Mr. J. B. Robinson 
is advocating the continuance of its provisions. They know 
it is a law which gives them much and asks for little in return. 
Mr. G. Albu has stated that it is the best gold law in the 
world; quite a natural statement, seeing that he indirectly 
helped to make it. 

The following extract is from a statement issued in 1 900 
by Mr. Albu's Company (The General Mining and Finance 
Corporation, Limited) regarding the position of the various 



70 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

mines and properties under its control. The reference is to 
the claim licence revenue of the New Steyn Estate Gold 
Mines, Limited : — 

" The claims on Doornkop bring in an average annual revenue 
from licences of £6000. Although a gold-bearing reef, known as 
the Steyn Reef, exists, and has been partly developed, it has been 
found unpayable under the working conditions which have hitherto 
prevailed, and therefore, in calculating the value of this portion of the 
property, only the revenue from licences has been taken into account. 

"The licences received from the Doornkop claims during the 
past few years have been as follows : — 

l8 9 6 ^6343 

1897 6516 

1898 ...... 6029 

1899, say 5500 



Average . . ^6090 

The capitalised value of an annual revenue of ^6000, on the basis 
of ten per cent, is ^60,000, and the Doornkop estate, for the 
purpose of calculating its approximate value, may be taken to be 
worth at least this figure." 

An open confession, surely, of the value of the Gold Law 
to one of Mr. Albu's Companies. The reef has been found 
unpayable, and therefore the value of the property consists 
only in the revenue it provides in licences. The capitalised 
value of the injustice is even worked out, and shown to 
amount to £60,000 ! 

The Government levy of a 5 per cent, tax on dividends 
in 1898 was considered unfair, and under the circumstances, 
with some reason. Mr. Rouliot, in his speech delivered 
January 12, I 899, already quoted, estimated that the 2 J per 
cent, royalty on gold from mynpachts which the Government 
had announced its intention of enforcing would amount to 
about £1 36,869, the value of such gold having been 
£5>474,787 in 1898. He further estimated that the new 
5 per cent, tax on profits, calculated only on profits from 
gold obtained from claims, would amount to £148,580, and 
that the total amount of the two taxes on the basis of 1898 
would be about £285,000, contributed by twenty-seven 
companies, equal to about 1 per cent, on their total issued 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 7 1 

capital of £29,100,000. He also showed that the new 
taxation would mean an additional expense of 9.3d. per ton 

milled, - 

After stating that there was no objection to the 2% per 

cent, tax on mynpacht gold, Mr. Rouliot proceeded :— 

"We lodged our protest against the tax on profits, firstly, on 
account of the hurried manner in which it had been passed ; and 
secondly, because we considered the tax unnecessary and unjust 
We think it unnecessary, because it seems to us that a country like 
this, with its population, ought easily to administer its affairs with a 
Budget of three and a half millions. And we are convinced that 
with a proper control, avoiding any reckless waste of public fund 
the revenue of the State ought to be more than sufficient for all 
purposes." 

This opinion of Mr. Rouliot on the State's finances is 
most important at the present juncture. Mr. Rouliot it 
must be understood, represents the house of Eckstein. He 
proceeded as follows : — 

« We consider it unjust, because this industry, which already con- 
tributes the largest share of State revenue, sees only fresh taxation 
continually added, in the face of official reports recommending on 
the contrary many reductions to our burdens. If this new tax had 
formed part of a scheme for a general readjustment of taxation, then 
it might have had some justification." 

This speech is quoted not only to show the attitude of 
the Chamber of Mines, but for the reason that it gives some 
interesting figures about the amounts the tax was likely to 

produce. 

Having shown then, that on all points the Chamber oi 
Mines memorialised the Government, and that the Gold Law 
is in a measure the work of the capitalists, and having 
done so only in order to remove what seems to be a general 
misconception, the task of describing the effect of its pro- 
visions may be gone on with. 

Further Effects of the Gold Law. 

As has been stated, the law secures to the owner of the 
farm, that is, de facto to the wealthy corporation or firm who 
buys his rights, certain very important first selections. There 



72 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

are the mynpachts, the vergunning and owners' claims, the 
werven or homestead rights, all of which combined are made 
to embrace anything from a half to two- thirds of the farm. 1 
The operation of the clause regarding homesteads as it now 
stands is especially unfair. 

By these provisions the wealthy owners bite off such 
huge mouthfuls of the cake that it takes even them some con- 
siderable time to chew and swallow them, and even longer 
periods are required for digestion. 

They receive most of this ground for a mere trifle of 
annual rental, ios. per morgen per annum. It is true that 
they have to pay what seems a large sum in each case to the 
owner of the farm for the purchase price of his rights, but 
let the sum be even £100,000, and a little inquiry will show 
that it is insignificant in comparison to the advantages ob- 
tained. On one farm, for which the financial house which 
purchased it paid £100,000, the mynpachts were granted 
immediately before the War, a total area was secured of nearly 
2400 claims. This will bring the purchase price per claim 
out at about £42. Already the market quotation for the 
shares of the company into which this area was floated 
stands at a price which brings up the value to over 
£2,000,000, or £420 per claim, and the transaction shows 
a profit of 900 per cent., without ever a pick being put into 
the ground. Having made an enormous and an immediate 
profit by such a flotation, the lucky house settles down to the 
exploitation of the property. The process will take the form 
of the formation of a number of subsidiary companies, which 
one by one will be put on the market at prices of from two 
to three pounds sterling for a £1 share. In this way the 
original company secures working capital for each mine into 
which it subdivides its property, and if it chooses it can also 
derive a further enormous and immediate profit by the sale of 
a portion of the vendor's shares in each of these subsidiaries. 
The directors of such a company and its able managers, 
for on the Rand they are all picked men, eminent in their 
profession, will superintend the equipment of the various 
mines and start them properly on a profitable career. This 
1 A Transvaal farm is usually about 3750 morgen, equal to 7500 acres. 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 73 

process on a large piece of ground will occupy several years. 
Deep shafts have to be sunk, which will take up consider- 
able time. While this is going on there is no necessity 
for the company gorging itself by buying more of the 
deeper ground, especially as the Gold Law kindly provides 
that the rest of the farm, of which it is now the owner, 
shall bring it in a comfortable yearly revenue. The fact 
must not be lost sight of that naturally the ground where 
the reefs are nearest the surface has been secured to the 
company, leaving only the deeper levels for public pegging. 
The public promptly and foolishly pegs this deep-level ground 
and as promptly endeavours to sell it, but it is quickly found 
that the market is limited. If the claims are offered in 
Johannesburg there are only six or eight possible buyers, 
and these have ground enough, which they have obtained by 
the kindness of the Gold Law at insignificant cost. If a 
representative is sent to London, Paris, or Berlin to try and 
effect a sale or raise a company, he will soon find that the 
only buyers there are the associates and partners of his 
Johannesburg friends who have already refused his offer. 
After spending some time and a considerable amount of 
money he comes back and reports his failure to the syndicate 
of peggers he represents. These hold a meeting and decide 
whether to go on paying licences or give up the ground. 
Eventually, after paying for a number of years, the holders 
either abandon their property or sell it a nominal price, 
frequently making a heavy loss on the whole transaction. 
All this time the owners have been receiving 2s. 6d. per claim 
per month in respect of this ground, and having by now 
digested the areas they in the first instance secured, they 
send a representative to attend the Government sale if the 
peggers have by then abandoned their claims, but if they still 
hang on they will send an agent, who generally succeeds in 
securing the ground that is wanted for a mere song. Soon 
afterwards the formation of another great deep-level company 
will be heard of and its shares will be put on the market at 
a price which will bring the value per claim up to £3000 or 
^4000 for the same ground which a few weeks before went 
begging at from £50 to ,£100. This whole process is 



74 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

known on the Rand by the name of " Freezing out," and the 
Gold Law is the driving-wheel of the whole machinery. No 
wonder the wealthy financier calls it a good law. Many 
holders of rich ground have been ruined by the process. 

The following is the comment of a practical prospector of 
many years' experience in the Rand on reading the above : — 

"A law should be introduced which will enable the individual 
pegger or syndicate desiring to exploit and prove the value of such 
claims to hold them for a reasonable period at a very low claim 
licence, which would enable them to expend any money they raise 
on proving their ground, rather than, in the past, having to provide 
money merely to pay it over to Government in the form of claim 
licences. By the old method, it was only a matter of time when 
nearly all the cash provided for opening up and proving the claims 
dribbled away on licences to Government and owners' pockets. 

"Substantial encouragement should be given the small man who 
searches the whole country for a decent bit of ground to hold it 
until he has an opportunity of proving its value, instead of having 
to chuck it at the capitalists for a mere song." 

Leaving the case of the deep-level ground for the 
moment, and taking consideration now of the case of an 
outcrop prospect, let it be taken that a man with £500 
believes he knows where payable reefs exist, he must, in 
the case of proclaimed ground, proceed as follows : — First, 
he must take out say 100 licences costing £25, and peg 
his ground. It is no use taking out a lesser number, 
because, if he does, some one else will at once come and 
peg all the ground round him, and it takes at least 100 
claims for an average mine on the Rand, and for pros- 
pecting, a much larger area is necessary. Prospecting is 
a costly undertaking in most cases. It may be that there 
are surface layers of soft earth to go through, and it is 
necessary to timber the shaft. After getting down to solid 
rock the prospector may fail to find the reef, although all 
the indications are there and the venture may look quite 
promising, and he goes on, and in, say six months, has 
spent perhaps £300 without striking the reef. His licence 
money has cost him £150, and surveying and other charges 
have taken £25 more, so that only £2^ remains. He is 
reluctant to lose the ground, which, unless he pays up his 



J&SFg 




pq 2 

5 z 



ffl g 



X 



s § 

C ^ 

< £ 

J Q 

— 

C > 

fe u 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 75 

licence money, he must do under the law. He then gets 
some friends to join in, and a syndicate with, say £1000 
working capital is formed. This sum is first called upon 
to pay 4 per cent, to the Government for transfer duty on 
the shares given as purchase price to the original holder. 
If the consideration he receives is 2000 shares, this will 
amount to £80. During the next year another £500 may 
easily be spent in prospecting without any definite result. 
In a year the licence money will amount to £300, so that 
only £120 is left. The syndicate resolves to stop work and 
to keep what money there is, and subscribe £300 more to 
preserve the title by paying licences for another twelve 
months, in the hope that something may be discovered on 
neighbouring properties meantime. If nothing has been 
found during that time, perhaps another effort is made by 
a fresh contribution of capital for another year's licences, 
and after that is gone the ground is probably abandoned 
by the disheartened shareholders. Some one else then 
comes along, and perhaps in a few months it may be finds 
the reef. Now, let it be seen in the following statement 
how the effort to find a mine has been taxed. 



Six months' licences 
Two years' ,, 
Charges, survey 
Transfer duty . 


Licences, &c. 

600 

25 
80 


Cash Capital 

1000 
300 



^855 ^1800 

£855 out of £1800, or equal to a tax of more than 40 per 
cent, on the working capital available. Had all the money 
been available for prospecting, perhaps the reef might have 
been found. Half of this tax is given under the gold law 
to the wealthy corporation owning the ground. Contrast 
this with the Government dues contributed by one claim 
of say the Bonanza Mine. The Bonanza Company takes out 
of one claim gold to the value of £250,000. Of this sum 
£175,000 is profit. It pays for one year's licence on the 
claim £12 — that is all. Since 1898, of course, it will have 
to pay 5 per cent, of its profits. But this should not be 



76 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

reckoned in the case here presented, because the new mine, 
if gold had been found, would have equally had to pay the 
5 per cent, on any dividends it might earn. The contrast 
is therefore as follows: — £\2 in licences paid for a claim 
producing £175,000 in profits, against £S f 10s. paid for a 
claim, causing its owner a loss of £9, 10s. 

Should the prospector try his luck on unproclaimed 
ground, his lot is even harder. He must first obtain the 
consent of the owner of the farm, and an option to purchase 
his rights. If it is a wealthy corporation which makes the 
contract, this is all right and easy, but if the prospector has 
only a small capital, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred he 
is unable to find the money to carry on both work and 
pay heavy option money ; and even if he does find a payable 
reef, he must find a capitalist who is willing to buy the 
farm. He will find this a hard thing in most cases, and 
even if he succeeds, he is sure to have his share cut down 
to the vanishing point, so that in this case also the pros- 
pector has a very poor chance. 

The Star newspaper, in an article published in 1899, 
remarked as follows : — 

" Few people will object to the eulogies expressed by Mr. Albu 
over the Gold Law, but yet even that excellent instrument leaves 
a good deal to be desired. The initial tax or claim licence of ^3 
per claim per annum will for ever forbid poor men a chance of 
profiting by their judgment and foresight." 

The Star's opponent, the Government paper named The 
Standard and Diggers' News, also awakened to the real facts 
of the case, but its voice had lost much of its power by the 
unreasonable tone of its articles, written in support of the 
Government, and its continual denunciation of the capitalist, 
sometimes on unfair grounds. 

On July 28, 1898, the Government paper commented 
thus on the Star's remark : — 

" Of course we are in absolute agreement with the statement of 
our contemporary ; it is exactly the criticism which we have per- 
sistently passed upon the law — it prevents local men from gain- 
ing any reasonable kind of advantage from the country's mineral 
wealth. The prospector, the local claimholder, the local syndicate, 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 77 

all have to go cap in hand to the great Rand Houses, who very 
naturally put down the price to a trifling sum or to nothing at all. 
It has been the ruin of many a man in the Transvaal to own rich 
gold-bearing property. His substance is spent in maintaining his 
title : when he is unable to hold out he, perhaps, floats a syndicate 
to help hold the property. Then this syndicate surrenders at a loss 
to other hands. They may ' prove ' their property, but sooner or 
later they learn that the possession of a gold property is the root of 
all ruin. There is no appeal to Caesar, for if they send to Europe, 
their prospectuses are referred back to the great houses, and the last 
end of that man is worse than the first. 

"The local capitalist organ (the Star) has virtually made this 
admission. Whether this was done — in momentary forgetfulness of 
a still more dangerous thing — to find some fault with Mr. Albu's 
sudden exposure of the whole game, or it was merely a reckless ad- 
mission made in the belief that a poor man's chance has gone 'for 
ever,' and that remission of initial charges will benefit the financiers 
only, we do not pretend to know for certain. It may disarm sus- 
picion to call for a doctor after the death of an enemy. This much, 
however, is clear. There are still many valuable properties in pri- 
vate hands, and it lies altogether with the Government to consider 
whether it is wise or profitable to tax these people into surrendering 
their properties to the very people who have created and sustained 
this long crusade against the Government, who have reduced the 
national income, who have almost destroyed the value of town pro- 
perties, who have ruined hundreds of honest merchants and traders 
by boycott and misrepresentation. Even 'Houses' must amalga- 
mate or go under in competition like this. 

" If the Government can see the way clear to remit all these 
initial taxes they will do more for the real or permanent good of 
the country than by any possible measure dealing with the econo- 
mics of the country. Let all gold-bearing land be proclaimed, let 
prospectors and men who peg out a reasonable number of claims by 
their own hands be unhampered in their efforts. The fame of the 
country will help them to find money, and they themselves will be 
in no mood for delay. Then, when the gold is won and profits re- 
ward skill and toil, let the State make its righteous claim for its 
share. There will be no failing revenue then. President Kruger 
has always said that it was his policy to succour and assist the mines 
of the country. He has been reviled and jeered at for it ; and the 
extraordinary thing is that people should have been found to believe 
the 'mining magnates,' while such extraordinary results are achieved 
by the mines. Consider the dividends that will be paid this year by 
Transvaal gold-mining companies. A better testimony could not be 
had to the beneficence of the Government towards ' the industry.' 
For ten years the laws of the State have been made with a view of 
encouraging mining on a great and prosperous scale, and with the 
aid of those who have so ably directed the actual work the desired 



78 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

result is being magnificently attained. A great ' industry ' has been 
built, and its controllers have grown rich, not only on the annual 
dividends, but on the increase in value of the stocks and claims they 
have retained or repurchased during recurrent alarms of both the 
resident and over-sea public. But we ask, cut bono, who gets the 
profits ? Isnthis Government deriving the full service it may reason- 
ably expect from the giant it has nursed and protected ; do the 
people of this country receive any adequate share of the wealth dug 
up in their midst ? No, no, no. The Government has for years 
received little but abuse from Xhe protege that it has consistently re- 
frained from taxing, for whose benefit it has had to impose heavy 
burdens on the general community, while the general public have been 
impoverished by the heart-breaking process of freezing out. The very 
laws have assisted in this, and our afternoon contemporary, in a 
moment of apparent forgetfulness, has itself agreed that the gold 
laws ' for ever forbid poor men a chance of profiting by their judg- 
ment and foresight.' A new departure is urgently required. The 
revenue of the State must be collected from the sources best able to 
pay, and the finished result must in some way be taxed while taxes 
on food stuffs bearing on the general community are remitted. The 
initial claim licences which have ruined many prosperous investors 
in valuable land must be abolished or remitted until a producing 
stage is reached ; a jealous eye should be kept on all attempts at 
including in the present semi-monopoly of gold any other of the in- 
dustries of the land. If this were done, the time might come when 
the Government would receive the grateful thanks and loyal support 
of the whole population instead of the solitary voice of one astonish- 
ingly outspoken financier." 1 

On a later date the same paper had the following : — 

" It is the maxim of all modern political economists that the in- 
cidence of taxation must be so arranged that while capital is pro- 
tected and production encouraged, the burden shall be laid on the 
shoulders best able to bear it. The Gold Law directly transgresses 
these ideas, and the revenue is collected for the most part from the 
producer and poorer labourer, while the rich go untaxed. The 
death duties and income tax of England are examples of the appli- 
cation of scientific taxation, and the experience and practice of old 
constitutions form valuable precedents for young countries like ours. 
The great undeveloped resources of this country cannot be worked 
advantageously to the State until the burdens are taken from the 
bona fide resident population, and by a more even distribution of the 
wealth that can be extracted from this most favoured land. The 
mineral laws should allow the prospector to seek fortune without 
having to sacrifice all he possesses for a chance of success at the 
hands of the ' Houses.' The apparently trivial but really ruinous 
tax of 5s. per month per claim should be remitted at once. Its only 

1 Mr. George Albu. 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 79 

effect is to kill local enterprise, and to place the unlucky possessor 
of claims at the mercy of the monopolist." 

" Revenue can be obtained far better by taxing the wealth that 
is won, in a fair and equitable manner. The matter is a serious one, 
and the country is awakening to its gravity. If the Government 
desires to retain the confidence of the people it must act, and 
act quickly. There are still fields unexploited. The gold-bearing 
Rand extends both east and west ; month by month new discoveries 
are being made, and there is little doubt that mine will join mine 
from Klerksdorp to Heidelberg. Only the other week it was 
announced that nine miles of new Main reef would shortly be 
opened on Leeuwpoort, joining the east Rand to Modderfontein, 
and in the near future the whole gold-bearing belt will be explored. 
If the present laws remain, it will all fall under the control of the 
monopoly improperly known as the ' Industry.' " 

And again later, on the approach of war : — 

" In the whole industrial history of this Republic there was pro- 
bably never devised a more mischievous provision of law than that 
comprised in the additions to Clause 55 of the Gold Law of 1895, 
and now forming part of Clause No. 50 of Law No. 15 of 1898. 

"This new-fangled arrangement provided for the conversion of 
werven into mynpachten, which is greatly in favour of the capitalist 
owner of farms, and diametrically opposed to the interests of every 
individual in the State outside that class. In essence, the clause 
reads that owners of farms have the right to reserve plots of ground 
on unworked farms, which shall be reserved for homestead building 
or arable lands, thus constituting werven. 

"This clause has been a very great incentive to agricultural 
1 development.' That is perhaps the only good it has ever done. 
The number of acres which have suddenly been planted with 
mealies or other cereals has been remarkable. Why all this activity ? 
Simply in order to obtain werf rights on the cultivated homestead. 

"Now watch the next step which the extraordinary legislation 
of paragraph 2 permits : ' Where according to paragraph 1 of this 
article homestead grounds have been reserved by the owner before 
the proclamation of the farm or piece of ground, he shall be entitled 
to a mynpacht on such grounds over the whole surface thereof.' 

" If there is in the wide world a more pleasant and profitable 
occupation than being the owner of a farm in the South African 
Republic about to be proclaimed we should like to hear of it. The 
combination of delightful ease in splendid climate and the 'poten- 
tiality of wealth beyond the dreams of avarice ' is quite unobtainable 

elsewhere. 

" Was the law drafted by the capitalist groups ? It certainly 



80 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

looks like it. The internal evidence of 'grasp' is so evident and 
unmistakable. Just think. ' Over the whole surface thereof.' 

"And this phrase brings us to the illogic of the law. For on un- 
cultivated homesteads, 'The homestead on which mynpachts are 
obtained may not exceed one-thirtieth of the size of the farm.' 
Why carry the incidence of grant on cultivated and uncultivated 
land to such vast differentiation. 

" Differentiation is the only essence of the Gold Law. Take this 
particular instance. On the mynpacht only ios. per morgen is pay- 
able — not per month, but per annum. Roughly a morgen is equal 
in area to two acres, or to one and a half claims. 

"Rich corporations last year obtained mynpachts 423, 443, and 
435 on Booysens, and No. 439 on Ormonde (the Consolidated Gold 
Fields of South Africa), No. 441 on Klipriversberg (the Kliprivers- 
berg Estate Company), and No. 442 on Mooifontein, scooped in 
by the Rand Mines, to instance only a few. 

"These corporations pay the equivalent of 5s. per claim per 
annum, whereas the individual has to pay that amount per month. 
Here is the scale — 

Rich corporation . . .5s. per claim per year. 
Poor man £3 „ „ 

Where does the Government come in ? Nowhere. It simply goes 
out. It receives 5s. instead of 60s. which it would if the areas were 
in claims. 

" Besides this, the Government allows the owners half the licence- 
money paid on the remaining claims. Only the other day the 
Chairman of the Modderfontein Extension was calculating how 
much the company would get from its share of licences. Again, 
besides, the companies naturally chose the best ground, and in 
opposition to all rules of equity, pay one-twelfth the rent or licence 
demanded from the ordinary individual for less valuable tracts. 
Can it be expected that the wealthy monopolist will buy claims 
when he gets them — well, practically given him, and only subject to 
a nominal licence ? 

" How can it be said in the face of the incontrovertible facts we 
have adduced that there is no need for an amendment to the Gold 
Law. We have distinctly proved that Class 55 is (1) most unfair; 
(2) severely detrimental to the Government's interests ; (3) alto- 
gether unduly solicitous for the interest of the owner, i.e., wealthy 
corporation; (4) antagonistic to the very first article of the Gold 
Law. 

" A little thought will show that this most objectionable clause 
operates to the restriction of development. 

" We know the ostensible reason — not necessarily the true 
reason — for the introduction of the clause. But it was a reason 
that has existed for years, only in a very partial manner. More 
upon the matter in a succeeding article." 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 



81 



In the London edition of the same paper the following 
appeared on August 25, 1899. It refers to the Minister of 
Mines' report : — 

"There must be some radical fault in a law which, by the in- 
fluence largely of depression, has permitted the lapse of no less 
than 69,484 claims last year. On December 31, 1898, there were 
132,777 claims registered. The lapsed claims of 1898 are therefore 
considerably over half the number held at that date. The number 
of claims has been decreasing very rapidly : — 



Year. 


Prospectors' 
Claims. 


Diggers' 
Claims. 


Total. 


1895 . . . 

1896 . . . 

1897 . . . 

1898 . . . 


277,206 
252,997 

126,147 


4485 

7291 
* 

6630 


281,691 
260,288 
202,261 

132,777 



* Separate figures unobtainable. 

"The Boom ideas of 1895 induced people to take up claims, some 
poor, some worthless, some in localities so stricken with fever that 
it was impossible to exploit them. But on the other hand ventures 
of promise, properties even of performance also ' lapsed ' owing to 
the owners, in many cases poor men, being unable to pay the heavy 
dues demanded by the Government on the area of operation. The 
sum of 5s. per month on prospectors' claims on private ground does 
not appear heavy, but it forms a severe tax on industry when applied 
to blocks of ground of reasonable size for mining purposes. We 
are acquainted with a block of claims in an outside district upon 
which thousands have been thrown away— now lapsed and up for 
sale. These claims— and there are instances all over the country- 
are now in danger of confiscation." 

These extracts from current literature before the War 
will show that public attention was being given to the 
subject. 

Incidence of the Law" upon Poor Mines, 

But there are one or two phases of the bearing of the 

Gold Law which have not yet been considered. One is that 

the law bears especially heavily on poor and undeveloped 

districts and mines; for example: — The returns for 1898 

show that Klerksdorp, with ore averaging 19s. per ton in 

value, pays 12J per cent, of its total gold output directly in 

claim licences. 

F 



82 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Heidelberg is worse, paying 33 per cent, of its total 
output. Potchefstroom has no output and paid £34,112 in 
1897 and £12,613 in 1898. While Johannesburg (Boks- 
burg to Randfontein) only pays 1.7 per cent, of its output. 
The State Mining Engineer might well remark about Potchef- 
stroom district, " all developing on claims and mynpachts is 
standing still, and none or very little prospecting is being 
done." 1 

This tends to keep the poorer districts undeveloped. 
While money enough could be obtained for the actual work 
of prospecting, people fight shy of embarking on an enter- 
prise when such an enormous tax is laid on its initial stages. 
In the first place, they get tired of being taxed for the State, 
and in the second place, in a manner which can only be 
described as grossly unjust for the benefit of private in- 
dividuals. Then it keeps a great part of the resources of 
the State locked up until such time as the financiers are 
ready to make another advance. It secures a monopoly of 
the business of flotations for a few financial groups, and the 
enormous profits made on these transactions are allowed to 
go untaxed. Certainly they have to pay the 4 per cent, 
duty on the sale price of ground, but three-fourths of the 
just amount of this is easily evaded by fixing the purchase 
price at so many £1 shares ; for instance, on a company 
where the consideration for the property is 100,000 shares 
the tax will amount to £4000, in reality in many cases the 
£1 share is worth £6 on the market, so that the transfer 
duty should have been £24,000 instead of £4000. On 
the other hand, where the company or syndicate is merely 
a prospecting venture, where the shares given in consideration 
are of purely problematical value, all depending on the re- 
sults that will be obtained in prospecting, and where the 
shares may not be worth more than a few shillings on the 
market, the 4 per cent, is rigorously exacted on the face 
value of £1. 

Under the law the Government obtains less than a 

1 Out of a total cash capital of thirty thousand pounds expended during five 
years on claims in the Klerksdorp district by one group of prospectors, over 
^"20,000 was paid in Government dues and claim licences. 



THE MONOPOLY IN GOLD 83 

tithe of what it ought to get from goldfields of such a 
character as the Rand. The Treasury, instead of having to 
negotiate for loans, should be running over with money. 
The Government should be in a position to enable all the 
departments of the State to be well and adequately served 
and to provide for the education and advancement of the 
people and the permanent improvement of the land. With 
unlimited funds the contrast between the Transvaal and 
Egypt in this respect should be striking. There are no 
international difficulties and hindrances such as Sir Alfred 
Milner describes as existing in Egypt. There are only the 
internal economic laws of the country itself to adjust and 
put on a sound and reasonable basis. 



CHAPTER VI 

CHANGES REQUIRED IN THE GOLD LAW 

The advisability of non-interference with present titles to gold 
rights already given out by the late Government, 

In the last chapter it has been shown that the Gold Laws 
of the late Government are in some important respects un- 
desirable, on account of the incidence of taxation being 
unfairly and unequally adjusted, and there is a great necessity 
for the immediate alteration and overhauling of the law, 
especially in regard to its provisions for the collection of 
revenue ; but while this is so, it may not be desirable to go 
back into the past, even in cases where the law itself has 
been unduly strained to the advantage of present holders. 
Mining titles change hands quickly, and the rights they 
convey speedily become the property of hundreds of thousands 
of shareholders who had nothing to do with the manner in 
which they were obtained. Any interference with titles 
would certainly cause great loss to fall on these people, and 
this would be at once unfair and unwise. It would cause 
endless confusion and lead European shareholders to lose 
faith in the security of the Transvaal investments, thereby 
hindering and discouraging the influx of fresh capital which 
will be urgently required if rapid progress is desired. 

The total area over which the State had conceded 
mynpachten (mining leases) up to the 31st of December 
1898 was 30,390 morgen. 1 The greater portion of the 
areas which go to make up this total have been granted on 
proclaimed farms, others are on farms which are not yet 
proclaimed, but by granting the mining leases the late 
Government concluded definite bargains which ought to be 

1 Morgen, equal to 2.1 acres. 

84 



CHANGES REQUIRED IN GOLD LAW 85 

honourably carried out, even although the areas in many 
cases are larger than appears right. The number of claims 
for which the Government had granted licences at the end of 
December stood at 132,777 ; these also are of the nature of 
definitely fixed contracts and should not be disturbed. Myn- 
pachten, werven, claims, and all pieces of ground definitely 
given out under the Gold Law by the late Government should 
be confirmed by the new, but where no such contracts were 
concluded by the late Government it appears that the whole 
system should be revised. This question will be dealt with 
in the next section. The number of gold companies in the 
Transvaal at the end of 1898 was 137 ; of that number 103 
held properties on the Witwatersrand, 22 of the remaining 
companies worked quartz reefs. The nominal capital of these 
Witwatersrand companies was £41,655,939. Forty-one of 
them paid dividends of £4,883,689 on an issued capital of 
.£18,328,098, or at the rate of 25.08 per cent., as against 
.£2,687,581 paid in dividends by 26 companies in 1897. 
Thirty-one of the companies produced gold but did not pay 
dividends. Thirty-one companies with a nominal capital of 
£12,176,927 produced no gold. The number of non-pro- 
ducing gold companies in the Transvaal was reduced from 
106 in 1897 to 40 in 1898. 

Mr. Rouliot states in his speech to the Chamber of Mines 
in 1899, already quoted : — 

"As I have said, the dividends declared in 1898 by mining 
companies in the Witwatersrand District are ^4, 834, 160 ; they have 
been earned by forty companies, whose total capital, according to 
market valuation at December 31st, represented an amount of 
^■55,477,000. The interest returned to the shareholders on an 
average is therefore at the rate of 8.7 per cent., which is satisfactory 
considering the soundness of this industry, but cannot be called 



excessive." 



These figures show that the gold industry of the Transvaal, 
and especially that of the Rand, as existing before the War, 
was one which had employed an enormous amount of capital. 
As a fact, the nominal capital does not merely represent the 
market value. It may be estimated that at average market 
prices, the gold mines of the Rand represent at least 



86 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

£i 50,ooo,ooo, 1 owned by shareholders of nearly every nation 
of the world. As has been seen barely one half of the 
companies earned dividends. The dividend paying list was, 
of course, being added to every year, and the non-dividend 
paying list was being shortened, and in the course of a few 
years it is fairly certain that most of the mines will pay. 
The economies in working and the skilful and scientific 
management which the great financial houses had organised, 
were only beginning to show their effects. In fairness every 
credit must be given to them for this work, but at the same 
time the enormous profits they have made out of the sale of 
shares at greatly advanced prices have never borne any fair 
share of taxation. They have taken their own share and 
the Government's share as well, and the Republican Govern- 
ment imposed their first wise and fair measure of taxation in 
their 5 per cent, tax on dividends. In the chapter on fiscal 
policy it will be shown that the tax should not only be 
maintained, but that it should be increased ; further, that this 
can be done while at the same time lowering the total amount 
of taxation on the mines. In this direction the present com- 
panies cannot properly object to being called on for the fair 
contribution which they have hitherto managed to avoid, but 
as regards the titles and payments on properties these should 
be allowed to stand inviolate. 

All this applies to companies already established and 
which have been granted mining rights on lawful conditions 
by the late Government, but it in no way invalidates the 
principle that the Government may change the conditions on 
which it may decide from time to time to lease out the gold 
resources of the State for. exploitation. 

A strong case can be made out for the alteration of 
the law and the framing of new conditions, and it is to be 
hoped that the necessary legislation will be immediately con- 
sidered. Companies undertaking the opening up of new 
mines would then do so in the full knowledge of the new 
conditions offered by the Government, and their case would 
be a different matter entirely. But every consideration shows 

1 This does not include the capital of Finance Companies, such as the Con- 
solidated Gold Fields or the Rand Mines, Limited. 



CHANGES REQUIRED IN GOLD LAW 87 

that it is not only fair but wise policy to guard all the actual 
contracts disposing of mining properties entered into by the 
late Government. 

The advisability of changing the law with regard to all properties 
where the gold is still in the hands of the Government, and 
changing it so as to bring about a rapid development of 
new mines and new districts in the manner best calculated 
to benefit People and Government. 

It has been shown that under the old law the system of 
claim licences levied on unproductive ground has tended 
towards the impoverishment of the people, and has brought 
no adequate return to the Government, and further by the 
system of obtaining the rights of option over private land, 
the large financial houses have been enabled to lock up the 
gold resources of the country. The system of granting pros- 
pecting licences on deep level ground when the gold value 
is partly known and proved, and where in any case the depth 
of the reef is beyond the reach of ordinary prospecting opera- 
tions, is in reality an encouragement to rash speculation, and 
brings with it no good results in the shape of work done. The 
revenue in fact has been obtained, not from the actual returns of 
gold-mining, but from the speculative tendencies of the people. 
Technically the Gold Law is a good one, and has proved 
particularly suitable to the gold-fields of the Transvaal. The 
system of marking off the properties on the surface and con- 
veying the gold rights contained within the vertical lines, as 
marked off by the boundaries of the claim or claims, is supe- 
rior to the system which obtains in many other countries of 
allowing the reef to be followed in all its dips, spurs, and 
angles. The Transvaal law in this respect prevents the 
confusion and consequent lawsuits which are frequent in 
countries where the other law prevails. And it is especially 
fortunate that it was adopted by the Transvaal, or otherwise 
the outcrop companies would have secured for a trifle the 
great and rich stretches of deep level ground on their dips. 
The thing to do, therefore, is to retain the good features of 
the law and to reject the bad. 



88 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Having pointed out the evils, it becomes necessary to 
make some suggestions for their removal and the policy which 
should be followed in the future. The two great principles 
on which the Gold Law should be framed are that they should 
be made for the benefit of the people and not for one par- 
ticular class, and that they should be made for the benefit 
of the State ; if this is not done, the time will come, perhaps 
in fifty or a hundred years, when the Transvaal, having been 
rifled of its gold, will be thrown aside from the attention of 
the world like a sucked orange. The country will remain 
saddled with a great debt which it will then have no means 
of paying. The other industries of the country will, to a 
great extent, become extinct, and the land and people will be 
reconverted into a physical and moral desert. On the other 
hand, if the gold laws are properly framed the Government 
will be enabled to pay whatever debt Great Britain may 
think fair and proper to impose on account of the War, and 
it will also have sufficient surplus resources to establish the 
liberal institutions of the country on a sound basis, to develop 
and encourage other industries than gold -mining, and to 
create a great and prosperous agricultural future for the 
country. In other words, to establish the future of the 
country on a basis other than gold-mining. 

To accomplish this, radical changes in the Gold Law and 
in the fiscal policy of the country must be effected. Tinker- 
ing operations and attempts to extract exorbitant revenues 
from the present mines without compensating alleviations will 
only check development by frightening away capital. The 
only way, while taking a fair revenue from the old companies, 
is to see that the remaining gold assets of the State are 
managed to the best advantage, and that the present mines 
are taxed according to the profits they make and not on their 
working costs. 

Coming to the practical reorganisation of the Gold Law 
it may be well first to look for some guidance from other 
countries on the following points : — Firstly, the right of the 
Government to deal with gold independently of private 
ownership ; secondly, the right of the State to participate in 
the exploitation of its gold mines. 



CHANGES REQUIRED IN GOLD LAW 89 

Regarding the first point, guidance is best obtained from 
a consideration of the gold laws of America and of Australia 

and New Zealand. 

In Victoria owners of land which has been given out by 
the Government since the 29th December 1894 are bound 
under certain conditions to allow their lands to be prospected 
and mined for gold. A similar law holds in New Zealand, 
and the principle is adopted throughout the Australian colonies. 
A prospector or a holder of a miner's right can enter upon 
these lands and upon any Government lands and begin to 
prospect. The prospector's licence or miner's right is obtain- 
able on payment of sums varying from 5 s. to £1 per annum. 
No further payment is required, but it is compulsory on the 
prospector or holder of a miner's right to work his prospect. 
After having found gold in what he considers payable quan- 
tities, he can secure a lease from the Government on terms 
which vary in different districts and colonies. In America a 
similar law prevails. 

Regarding the second point, the laws of Rhodesia, of 
the Klondyke, and of the Portuguese territory may be 
considered. 

For the sum of is. the Chartered Company grants a 
prospector the right to peg out ten quartz reef claims. 
These ten claims on the outcrop carry the right to follow 
the reef in all its dips, spurs, and angles. This means a 
gold area equal to at least 100 claims in the Transvaal. 
Registration of the claims costs another 5 s. per claim. The 
prospector has to do 30 feet of development work within 120 
days of the registration, and 60 feet during every subsequent 
twelve months, and must obtain inspection certificates for the 
same, or he may have his claims forfeited. When worked at a 
profit or after flotation, the claims pay a monthly licence of 
1 os. The Chartered Company retains half rights in all dis- 
coveries on these claims. 

The laws of Portuguese East Africa are framed on similar 
terms. But the Mozambique Company only takes 2 per 
cent, of the cash or shares received by the claimholder on 
flotation. 

The Canadian Government has adopted a different appli- 



90 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

cation of the principle. On the Klondyke gold-fields every 
alternative claim is reserved for the Crown, to be disposed of 
at public auction or in such manner as may be decided by 
the Minister of the Interior. In respect of the claims pegged 
out by the prospector or miner an entry-fee of £3 is charged 
for the first year. The same amount is payable for each of 
the following years ; in addition the Government takes the 
following : — " A royalty of 1 o per cent, on the gold mined is 
levied and collected by officers appointed for the purpose, 
provided the amount so mined and taken from a single claim 
does not exceed 500 dollars per week. In case the amount 
mined and taken from any single claim exceeds 500 dollars 
per week, there is levied and collected a royalty of 10 per 
cent, upon the amount so taken out up to 500 dollars; and 
upon the excess, or amount taken from any single claim over 
500 dollars per week, there is levied and collected a royalty 
of 20 per cent. Prospecting is free over the whole territory. 

Following the method of securing the best features of 
these arrangements it appears that the Gold Law of the 
Transvaal should be remodelled as follows : — 

There is first the Government right to secure unhindered 
exploitation of all goldfields, whether on private ground or 
otherwise. In securing this, care must, of course, be taken 
that the owners of private land shall be fairly treated. It is 
by no means impossible to arrange it so that the owners 
may obtain a great and sufficient reward for their incidental 
good fortune in owning gold farms. On the other hand, 
care should be taken that the prospector or gold finder 
shall not be hindered by excessive imposts in the way of 
claim licences, and that he should have free access to the 
gold-bearing localities. In securing the second principle 
care must be taken that the Government shall be able to 
dispose of its gold assets in the most advantageous manner. 
To achieve these objects the following suggestions are put 
forward, and from the nature of the principal goldfields — 
those of the Witwatersrand — it seems that laws framed on 
these lines, or modifications or improvements of them, must 
eventually be adopted. The first suggestion is : To proclaim 
the whole of the Transvaal open ground to prospectors, 



CHANGES REQUIRED IN GOLD LAW 91 

excepting only where, in the opinion of the Minister of 
Mines, advised by the State Mining Engineer, the reefs are 
proved, as far as it is possible to prove them by prospecting 
already done. This exception would embrace practically 
all the present proclaimed areas of the Transvaal. Such 
portions of these areas as still remain in the hands of the 
Government, and such portions as may afterwards fall into 
the hands of the Government, by reason of non-payment of 
licences, should be retained by the Government, and dis- 
posed of in the manner which will be suggested for the 
disposal of the gold areas retained by or still in the hands 
of the Government. All the ground proclaimed as open 
for prospectors should be dealt with as follows : A prospector 
should be allowed, on payment of a nominal sum of, say, £1 
per annum, to take out a prospector's licence. Having 
provided himself with this, he should be entitled to com- 
mence prospecting on any open ground in the State where he 
may think it likely that gold exists. 1 In the case of his 
deciding to prospect on ground held by private persons 
or companies, he should be required to deposit with the 
Mining Commissioner of the district, a sum in cash, or other 
sufficient guarantee to make good to the owner any damage 
done to the property through his prospecting operations. 
The claim areas allowed for one prospector should not be 
more than 300 morgen in extent, and as nearly square as 
the nature or shape of the ground will permit. The pros- 
pector should be obliged to peg off and beacon the area 
in a proper manner. The prospector should be obliged 
to do sufficient work equal to the expenditure of £2$ per 
month on each hundred morgen pegged. The undivided 
work of one white man and three Kaffirs should be deemed 
sufficient for this requirement, provided always that the 
Government mining inspector is satisfied with the bond fide 
nature of the work. In cases of disputes as to this, the 
matter should be decided according to regulations to be laid 
down by the Government. In case work is stopped, or in 
cases of breaches of Government regulations, the ground 
should be forfeited to the Government, to be re-declared 

1 Homesteads and cultivated lands excepted. 



92 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

open ground after one month ; or sold or retained by the 
Government at discretion of the Minister of Mines. Out 
of the 300 morgen prospected, the prospector should be 
allowed an area equal to 100 claims. On a prospector 
finding payable gold, and arranging to work a mine either 
as a private concern or with capital supplied by a company, 
he should be obliged to pay the Government claim licences, 
amounting to 5 s. per claim per month. He should further 
have to pay any tax on dividends or profits or shares, which 
may be levied by the Government, for the time being. As 
soon as, in the opinion of the Minister of Mines, advised by 
the State Mining Engineer or by the Board of Mines, or 
whatever constituted authority may be established, ground 
is considered sufficiently proved by prospecting operations, 
and it is ascertained that the area contains payable gold 
reefs, the farm or farms or areas should be deproclaimed 
by notice in the Government Gazette, and no new prospects 
should be allowed to be opened on such deproclaimed 
area, it being retained by the Government and dealt with 
according to the suggestions for dealing with Government 
gold properties, as will appear later. It should be incum- 
bent on the prospectors to declare to the Gold Commissioner 
for the district the results of their finds immediately on 
making them. All prospects should be open to Government 
inspection, and in case it is shown that the prospector has 
neglected to inform the Gold Commissioner of the results 
of his work, all his right and title to the claims he has been 
working should be liable to be forfeited to the State. 

As soon as the farm is deproclaimed, on account of the 
prospecting operations having satisfied the Minister of Mines 
and State Mining Engineer that payable reefs exist on the 
farm or farms or areas, the owner of the farm or his heirs 
or assignees should be invited to select for themselves a 
sufficient area from the ground reserved by the Govern- 
ment from each prospector's area, to make up a total number 
of claims equal to one-tenth of the farm. Over these areas 
the owner should be granted mining leases or mynpacht 
rights in the similar manner to that provided by the present 
Gold Law. The werf right over which at present mynpacht 



CHANGES REQUIRED IN GOLD LAW 93 

or mining leases are obtainable should be abolished, and 
instead, the owner should be entitled to reserve from pros- 
pecting and mining all genuine homesteads and cultivated 
lands, but he should not be allowed any mining rights 
thereon. In case it is sufficiently proved to the Minister of 
Mines that gold in payable quantities exists under these 
werfs or homesteads or cultivated lands, the Government 
should have the right to expropriate such homesteads and 
lands at a fair valuation, that is a valuation not reckoning 
the gold value. This valuation should be arrived at by 
arbitration, or by means of a land court constituted to deal 
with these matters. The Government should then dispose 
of these gold rights under these areas according to the 
regulations for disposing of Government gold rights. As 
soon as the owner has been granted his mynpacht rights 
over one-tenth of the area of his farm, which has been 
proved by prospectors, he should have no further claim for 
compensation for damages on account of shafts and holes 
made in mining operations, and although he may be allowed 
to graze his cattle and make use of such areas as are not 
actually required for mining, he shall be deemed to have 
been fully recompensed for the loss of these areas by the 
following payment, viz., one-fourth of the revenue which the 
Government may derive from such a farm or farms or areas, 
whether from licence moneys, sale of gold rights, or other 
levies of the Government. Sums equal to one-fourth of 
these levies should be paid to the owner of the farm until he 
has received an amount equal to £$ per morgen over the 
whole surface of the farm. This payment, together with the 
one-tenth secured to him under mining lease or mynpacht, 
and together with the purchase price of his werf or home- 
stead lands, shall be considered a full and absolute payment 
for all his rights to the property, and he should be obliged 
to give transfer to the Government of the same on the last 
amount being paid. The exploiters of all these various 
areas, whether claims obtained by prospecting, mynpachts 
granted by Government, rights bought from the Government, 
such as Government gold rights on werf areas, or Govern- 
ment gold rights on Government claims, should, in addition 



94 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

to the dues payable to the Government in respect of the 
privileges secured by purchase, be required to pay over and 
above those dues, all such taxes on profits or dividends 
which the Government may from time to time impose. This 
would get rid of the iniquitous tax in the shape of claim 
licences levied for the benefit of individuals. 

The best plan for the Government to pursue in disposing 
of areas over which it reserves the gold rights, whether these 
rights are those of the Bewaarplaatsen retained under the 
Gold Law, or unpegged claims, or on ground which had not 
yet been proclaimed by the late Government but which is 
known to contain payable gold reefs, and has consequently 
been withheld from the general proclamation, or on ground 
which may constitute Government blocks of claims on new 
gold-fields, or gold under the werfs or homesteads situated on 
new gold-fields, or on ground which may be considered to 
have been sufficiently proved by the work of prospectors on 
adjoining areas and which has been notified as no longer 
open to prospectors — on all such ground over which the 
Government retains the gold rights, the following method 
seems to be the best : — Where in the case of Bewaarplaatsen 
and Government blocks, the areas are fixed and known, they 
should be sold according to the number of claims the area 
contains. In cases of large areas not yet cut up into blocks, 
the ground should be parcelled out, on the advice of the State 
Mining Engineer, into blocks of suitable size for mining com- 
panies, according to the estimated depth of the reef. On all 
these blocks an upset price should be set, such price to be 
arrived at after careful investigation by the State Mining 
Engineer, and the Government should hold periodical sales 
by auction of these blocks. Full particulars of the terms of 
sale and all known particulars about the ground should be 
published in the Government Gazette, but the purchasers 
should have no recurrence against the Government for any 
inaccuracy of judgment on the part of the State Mining 
Engineer. The terms of sale and all the particulars should 
not only be published in the Government Gazette but also in 
the leading Colonial and European papers for a period of 
from three to six months, during which inspection of the 



CHANGES REQUIRED IN GOLD LAW 95 

ground should be permitted and all available data and in- 
formation given to intending purchasers. On the day ap- 
pointed the ground should be put up at the upset price and 
sold to the highest bidder, on whatever terms that may be 
deemed advisable from time to time, and published in the 
Government regulations. Instead of selling the claims or 
areas for cash the Government could take shares instead, as 
is done in Rhodesia. This might suit the buyer, and it 
would in the end pay the Government better. Both plans 
could be tried. After the sale sufficient time should then be 
given for the development and equipment of a mine or mines 
on the block thus disposed of. If, within such reasonable 
time as may be deemed fair by the Government and pub- 
lished in the regulations, no progress, or insufficient progress, 
has been made towards the development of the mine or mines, 
sufficient notice should be given in writing that if work, to 
the satisfaction of the Minister of Mines, is not commenced 
within, say, six or twelve months from the day of notice the 
gold rights on the ground shall be liable to be forfeited and 
revert to the Government. On all the areas under which 
the gold rights are so disposed of and sold it should not be 
considered that the ground or gold itself is disposed of, but 
only the right and facilities to mine for and recover gold. 
On all such areas a claim licence of 5s. per claim per month 
should be payable to the Government. Taxes on profits and 
dividends should be recoverable by the Government from the 
operations on such ground equally with any other. Regard- 
ing Government ground, that is ground which does not 
belong to private owners, the same rule should apply, the 
only difference being that the Government would retain all the 
benefits under the law without having to pay away anything 
to surface owners. 

These alterations in the Gold Law, or some modifications 
of them, would secure the ends desired, with the least possible 
change in the existing system. The owner would still have 
his mynpacht and a fair and liberal compensation for dis- 
turbance. The prospector would be free to pursue his calling 
without being unduly weighted by taxation, and he could go 
and prospect wherever he might think gold is likely to exist. 



96 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

He would be put on the true basis of a prospector, and not 
as at present on that of a speculator. The Government, 
besides its ordinary revenue, would be able to dispose of the 
greater part of the large reserve of gold areas still in its 
hands on the most advantageous terms ; besides, the great 
financial houses may as well buy from the Government as 
from the speculator. In Chapter VII. an estimate is made 
of what amount the Government would be likely to receive 
every year for the gold rights on Bewaarplaatsen and on 
those areas retained for its benefit. The amount, as will be 
seen, is a surprisingly large one to begin with, and would 
grow enormously every year ; and if the plan is adopted, all 
fears about over-taxation of the country on account of the 
war debt may be abandoned. Not only would the Govern- 
ment derive large sums from the sale of the present areas 
held by it, which are known to contain gold, but the free 
and vigorous prospecting which would be encouraged under 
the proposed system would almost to a certainty open up 
further great areas of payable gold-bearing ground. Instead 
of sixty miles of Main Reef there would in a few years in all 
probability be ioo miles, with new rows of mines stretch- 
ing at intervals from Randfontein to Klerksdorp in the west, 
and from Geduld through Heidelberg to Hex River on the 
east. Outside districts also would receive attention, and 
flourishing mining communities would spring up all over the 
country. All these are at present locked up by the conditions 
of the mining law. 

The Government revenue derived in the manner suggested 
would increase by leaps and bounds, and the Transvaal would 
soon be in a position to pay interest on and to provide a 
sinking fund for whatever portion of the war debt she may 
be called upon to pay. 

The present companies would have no grievance, as their 
taxation would not be increased, but actually reduced ; rather 
would they be in a better position than before, because, owing 
to the reduction of costs by cheaper labour under a settled 
government, lighter railway rates, and the removal of the 
imposts caused by the monopolies, their great reserves of 
low-grade ores could be worked. The vicious principles of 



CHANGES REQUIRED IN GOLD LAW 97 

the old law would be got rid of and the good ones retained ; 
the contributions of the gold-mining industry would be 
obtained in the same manner as contributions from any other 
industry, viz., by taxing result, not effort, by taxing for the 
benefit of the Government and not for the benefit of private 
individuals and companies. If the old policy is continued 
the revenue will be insufficient. Enterprise will be confined 
to the big houses, and the general population will continue 
discontented and impoverished. 

A quotation has already been made from the Star news- 
paper, which, before the War, was supposed to be the capi- 
talist organ, and in the passage quoted it is distinctly agreed 
that a change is necessary. To show that the capitalists 
themselves recognise the reasonableness of a change the 
following letter is inserted. It is from a member of one of 
the great financial groups in answer to a request for his 
opinion, He says : — 

11 1 think alterations could be made in the existing Gold Law 
to provide for your suggestions without affecting it fundamentally. 
Under the existing law any private party, by taking out a prospector's 
licence, can prospect for gold on any unproclaimed farm where he 
believes gold to exist. 

"All he needs is permission from the owner to prospect, which 
should not be unreasonably withheld. A clause might be intro- 
duced in the Gold Law providing for this privilege. On making 
application through the authorities he would have to satisfy them as 
to his bona-fides, and the money he has at his disposal for the pur- 
pose of prospecting. Through the authorities he would then get 
permission to prospect, and some provision would have to be made 
in the law that in the event of his discovering a payable reef he 
should on proclamation be entitled to peg out a certain number of 

claims. 

" By the adoption of such a measure he would be freed from 
paying any licences whatever during the period of prospecting, and 
would be entitled to certain owners' rights should on his find the 
farm be proclaimed. There is one difficulty I see in several parties 
prospecting on one farm ; this, however, might be overcome by 
some provision, protecting their interests as well. By introducing 
some legislative measure as suggested you do away with adjusting 
the principle on which the Gold Law is framed, which you know is 
generally considered a good one, and is not likely to be exchanged 
for any other. As to exemption or payment of licences on pro- 
claimed area, always bear in mind that in most instances the outcrop 

G 



98 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

would be retained by the owner under his mynpacht owner claims 
and vergunning 1 rights, and deep level working could only be carried 
out by the rich and not by the poor. I personally favour prospect- 
ing grants on unproclaimed areas, which gives the poor or individual 
miner a chance." 

It will be noted that the remedy suggested in this letter 
is to make it compulsory for owners to allow prospecting on 
their ground. The question of the Government reserving 
areas for itself is not considered, but a war debt has to be 
paid by the Transvaal, and it is evident that this is one of 
the easiest ways of getting part of it. If some such plan is 
not adopted the whole cost of the debt will have to be borne 
by the present companies and the Uitlander people. The 
people pay enough already, and the smallest charge that can 
be levied on the present holders of Transvaal gold shares in 
England, France, and Germany will, in the long run, be the 
best for the country. They have purchased their shares at 
prices which, even with the present enormous profits, only 
yield them from 5 to 10 per cent, return. This is little 
enough considering the risks attending even the best gold- 
mining ventures, which the mines of the Witwatersrand may 
rightly be considered. 

Few changes are required in the law to effect this radical 
improvement, and any apparent difficulties in carrying it out 
can easily be overcome. 

1 Vergunning = first selection. 




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CHAPTER VII 

BEWAARPLAATSEN AND OTHER GOVERNMENT GOLD 

PROPERTIES 

Bewaarplaatsen} 

The number of Bewaarplaatsen on the Rand retained by the 
Government is fifty-seven, with a combined area of 1443 
claims. Some are north of the outcrop of the Main Reef 
series, and are consequently of little certain value. Others 
are situated far to the south. Extravagant ideas as to the 
value and extent of these areas appear to have entered the 
public mind. Sir Charles Dilke referred to them in a speech 
at Coleford early in October last, when he said that these 
rights were valued by the mining department of the late 
South African Republic at £40,000,000, but this statement 
must surely be incorrect, or perhaps a cipher has been added 
by mistake in printing Sir Charles Dilke's speech. The 
following is an estimate of the market value of these Bewaar- 
plaatsen based on the current values at which claims in 
similar positions with regard to the reef were taken into 
flotations before the War. The areas are designated by 
numbers only for the reason that it was not possible to 
obtain correct information about the ownership of the surface 
rights. Nor is it possible to show the positions of each one 
without a map. They are situated here and there right 
along the Rand. Many mining men will doubtless be able 
to recognise the various blocks from the following general 
descriptions : — Nos. 1 to 1 2 inclusive are situated on the 
Randfontein and Lancaster — French Rand sections of the Wit- 
watersrand ; No. 1 3 to 1 5 on the Roodepoort section ; Nos. 
16 to 20 on the Vogelstruis— Main Reef section ; Nos. 21 to 
24 on the Langlaagte Star — Paarl Central section; Nos. 25 
and 26 on the Langlaagte — Crown Reef section ; Nos. 27 to 

\_ f C. 1 Bewaarplaatsen — reserved places. 

99 



IOO 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



29 on the Bonanza — City and Suburban section; Nos. 30 to 
3 8 on the Meyer and Charlton — Witwatersrand section ; Nos. 
39 to 41 on the Balmoral — Blue Sky section ; No. 42 on the 
Boksburg — Apex Mines section ; and No. 45 on the Benoni — 
Modderfontein. Nos. 4, 4a, 4b, 4c are situated north of the 
outcrop of the Main Reef series. 



Number 
I 

4 

A b 

Ac 

3 
11 

II<2 
12 



5 • 
$a. 

40 . 

2 . 

7 • 

8 . 
U . 

21 . 

21a . 

22 . 

23 • 
23a. 

24 . 

42 . 



19 . 
Sa. 

9 • 
6 . 



13 



17 
18 
16 
10 



Bewaarplaatsen and Water Rights. 



Mining Claim Area 

28.84 

78.72 

I.92 

I.44 

3.84 
61.44 
IO.56 

I.92 

5.76 



IO.56 
IO.56 
IO.56 



7.50 
27.84 



74.88 

2.88 

65.88 

3.18 
72.96 
29.76 

1.44 
12.48 
31.20 

24.96 
I5-36 
53-76 
18.24 
23.04 

11.88 
11.40 
36.60 
11.52 



194.40 at ^50 ,£9,720 



31.68 at ,£100 



35.24 at ,£200 



294.66 at ,£300 



I3S-36 at ^500 



3, 1 68 



7,068 



88,398 



. . 67,680 



71.4 at ,£600 



• • 



42,840 



GOVERNMENT GOLD PROPERTIES 101 



Number. 


Mining Claim Area. 




20 . . 


. . 85.44 






33 • • 


• • 1344 






34 • • 


• • 8.59 






35 • • 


. . 42.24 






37 • • 


. . 72.00 






38 • • 


• • 63.63 






41 . . 


. . 43.20 






43 • • 


. . 89.28 










417.82 at ,£1,000 . . . 


417,820 






14 . . 


. . 18.24 






15 . . 


. . 16.32 










34.56 at £1,500 . . . 

18.24 at ,£2,500 . . . 


51,840 
45,600 


350. . 


. . 18.24 


36 • • 


• • 3-09 






39 • ■ 


. . 12.24 










15-33 at ,£3,000 . . . 


45>99o 






3i • • 


. . 10.86 






310. . 


. . 2.88 






3i£. . 


. . 1.86 






31c . . 


. . 0.83 










16.43 at ,£4,000 • • • 


65,720 






25 . . 


. . 5.76 






26 . . 


. . 54.72 






29 . . 


. • 36.58 






30 . . 


. . 24.82 






32 . . 


. . 34.14 










156.02 at ^5,000 . . . 
7.29 at £6,000 . . . 


780,100 
43,740 


28 . . 


. . 7.29 


27 . . 


• • 15-36 


15.36 at £12,500 . . 


192,000 



1443.89 ,£1,861,684 

(Say one and three-quarter millions.) 

In 1898 the Johannesburg Star published estimates of the 
value of certain deep-level claims belonging to the Rand Mines, 
Limited. These estimates bear on the subject of the value 
of the Bewaarplaatsen in the central section of the Rand : — 







Distance of 






Number 
of Claims. 


Situated South of 


Northern 

Boundary from 

the Outcrop. 


Price per 
Claim taken. 


Total Value. 






Feet. 


£ 


£ 


174 


Nourse Deep .... 


4,000 


1,500 


261,000 


132 


Geo. Goch and Wolhuter . 




1,500 


2,500 


330,000 


48 


Village Main Reef 




2,000 


6,000 


288,000 


4 


11 i> 1 j 




7,5°° 


1,500 


6,000 


13 


Robinson . 




2,75° 


7.500 


97,000 


3 


Langlaagte Deep 




4,500 


2,000 


6,000 


15 


United Lang. Deep 




3,000 


1.500 


22,000 


in 


Crown Deep and Lang. Deep 


3.750 


5.000 


555.ooo 


500 






3<*Z° 


1,565,000 



102 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

The foregoing estimates of value are not based on the 
gold value per claim. If the Government waited for ten or 
fifteen years until the neighbouring mines were worked out, 
and access could be obtained to the areas through the then 
disused shafts, as would be possible in some cases, much 
better returns could be obtained. For instance, No. 27 is 
situated close to the Robinson Central Deep. There are 
fifteen and one-third claims, and they will each contain 
approximately 40,000 tons of South Reef and Main Reef 
Leader ore of a gold value of about 60s. per ton, and a profit 
value of 32s. 6d. : — 

15 at 40,000 . . . 600,000 tons. 

600,000 at 60s. .... ;£i, 800,000 gold value, 
j, at 32s. 6d. . . . ^975)Ooo profit value. 

At the price estimated of £12,500, the Government would 
obtain immediately only as follows : — 

J 5-36 at ;£ I2 >5°° ^192,000 

so that instead of selling the claims outright, it would pay 
much better to wait or to take shares in the company taking 
over the claims instead of a cash price. 

This method would probably best suit both the Govern- 
ment and the buyers. In some cases the companies main- 
tain that they have some sort of promise of title from the old 
Government, and where there appears to be some good 
foundation for the claim a compromise on these lines might 
be effected. 

Other Government Gold Areas. 

The claims on unproclaimed farms on the dip of the 
Main Reef series along the present worked Rand, which, 
under the suggested altered law, would remain in the 
hands of the Government, may be estimated as follows. 
These estimates are only of such ground as would come 
within the limit of distance from the Main Reef, at which the 
reef may be expected to lie at not more than 6000 feet 
deep : — 



GOVERNMENT GOLD PROPERTIES 103 

Reitvlei about 1000 claims. 

Mooifontein ...... 500 „ 

Witpoort, Reitfontein, and Brakpan . „ 2000 ., 
Modderfontein, Welgedacht, Geduld, ) 
Klipfontein, and Holfontein j " 



3000 „ 



6500 claims. 

These are all deep-level reef areas, and if put in the market 
at once would not be likely to bring more than an average 
of £ I OO per claim. 

In addition to these areas, there are large areas on the 
farms Elandsfontein, Klipriversberg, Vierfontein, Ormonde, 
Diepkloof, Klipspruit, and Luipaard's Vlei, which, although 
much beyond the point at which the depth of 6000 feet is 
expected for the Main Reef series, would all be pegged if 
declared open ground under the old law. These farms could 
be included in the general proclamation of the Transvaal 
under the suggested new law as prospecting areas under the 
conditions explained in Chapter VI. Besides the Main Reef 
there are other series of reefs existing on them, portions of 
which might be found payable. The Government would in. 
that way ensure that the areas would be prospected for such 

reefs. 

These areas just considered, being, as they are, the 
leavings of the Rand, must not be considered as a criterion 
of what the Government would obtain for the claims which 
would be retained under the proposed new law on extensions 
of the Main Reef eastwards and westwards. Large areas 
comparatively near the outcrop, or even on the outcrop 
itself, would, in these cases, fall to the Government, and the 
value of some of the claims would run into thousands of 
pounds. There are also the possible new mines that might 
be opened in other districts such as De Kaap, Lydenburg, 
and the northern goldfields. Assuming that the new 
Government adopts a waiting policy, and either sells these 
gold properties as it finds that the market can take them 
up, or gives them out on condition of sharing in the 
profits of the mines (it should have no control or say 
in the management of the exploiting companies, for the 
reason that Government interference with private affairs is 



io 4 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

not desirable), the revenue from this source to begin with 
might be estimated at £250,000 a year, increasing in a 
few years to £500,000 or more, and after ten years to any- 
thing between one and three millions. It would all depend 
on the success of future prospecting, and there is good 
reason to take the most hopeful view if the suggested changes 
in the Gold Law are adopted. 



CHAPTER VIII 

THE COALFIELDS 

Coal ranks next to gold in importance among the mineral 
resources of the Transya; 

In 1898 thirty-thfee coal-mines were being worked in 
the State. The total number of tons brought to the surface 
was 1,907,808 tons. The value is returned by the State 
Mining Engineer at £668,346, or an average of about 7s. 
per ton at the pit-head. By far the greater part of this 
output was produced from the coal-mines on the East Rand, 
Boksburg district having produced 1,239,184 tons, and 
Heidelberg and Middelburg about 300,000 tons each. The 
capital of coal companies is shown as follows : — 

Nominal Capital. 
Boksburg and Heidelberg, 10 companies. . . . ^2,7 15,000 
Middelburg, Lydenburg, and Pretoria, 7 companies 1,748,000 

Of these only three paid dividends, the total amount paid 
being £76,000 on a total nominal capital of £960,000. Four- 
teen of the companies produced coal, but paid no dividends. 

Coal exists in immense quantities in the following dis- 
tricts of the Transvaal — Vryheid, Wakkerstrom, Piet Retief, 
Standerton, Ermelo, Carolina, Middelburg, Heidelberg, and 

Pretoria. 

Geologists are almost unanimous in the opinion that the 
coal-beds of the Transvaal belong to the Triassic age ; 
that they are, in fact, the Transvaal representatives of the 
Molteno beds of the Colony, and that the coal-beds of Natal, 
although occurring on a lower level, belong to the same 
geological period. All South African coals agree in certain 
well-marked characteristics. In some places the beds attain 
an enormous thickness, as, for instance, at Zuurbekom, 
south-west of Johannesburg, where a seam of coal has been 



105 



106 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

proved to have a total thickness of 2 1 1 feet. At the Great 
Eastern Colliery, east of Johannesburg, a seam is found 
75 feet thick. These great thicknesses are not throughout 
made up of marketable coal. All coal seams in the Trans- 
vaal, whether thick or thin, as a rule consist of laminated 
layers of different varieties and qualities. There is, first, 
what is known in the country as " bright coal." It may be 
classed as bituminous or semi-bituminous. In some cases 
it has a percentage of volatile matter as high as 38 per cent. 
The average percentage of ash is about 8 per cent., with 
fixed carbon about 65 per cent. The percentage of sulphur 
is low, being under ij per cent. Besides being a good gas 
producer, this bright coal makes a first-class coke almost 
equal to that produced in the North of England. Coal of 
this nature exists in nearly all the seams in the Transvaal, 
the thickness of the layers being variable from a few inches 
up to 5 feet. Tests of its calorific value show that one pound 
will evaporate twelve and a half pounds of water. In this 
bright coal thin bands or streaks of dull coal occur. And 
no doubt the comparatively high percentage of ash for coal 
of this nature is attributable to these thin streaks. 

The other layers of the coal seams consist of what is 
known as " dull coal." It has a higher percentage of ash and 
less volatile matter. The better qualities, those in which the 
ash is from 8 to 1 2 per cent., may be classed as steam coal. 
It is not liable to clinker, and has comparatively high calorific 
value. Tests have shown an evaporative power of eleven 
pounds of water for one pound of coal. On some of the 
best seams in the Middelburg district the two varieties are 
mined together, the product being a good first-class coal 
almost equal to good Tyne coal, either for house purposes or 
for steam raising. 

The coalfields of the Southern Transvaal cover an area of 
approximately 10,000 square miles, that is, taking the actual 
coal areas only, and leaving out the patches within the fields 
which are barren of coal, owing to the coal strata having 
been denuded. Besides this great area there are other coal- 
fields in the Transvaal. One which may develop into great 
importance lies along the Portuguese border. The thickness 



THE COALFIELDS 107 

ranges from a few feet to over 200 feet, and the quality 
varies from bright bituminous coal to dull carboniferous 
shale with 50 to 60 per cent, of ash. An estimate of 6 feet 
of good coal over the whole area is one which in actual work 
is very likely to be exceeded. Six feet of coal will yield 
approximately 6,000,000 tons per square mile, so that 
10,000 miles would yield on this basis over 60,000,000,000 
tons. Of course the total quantity of coal is about five times 
this amount, but about 80 per cent, of the whole may be 
reckoned for the time being as valueless. If the time should 
come when the world begins to feel real scarcity of fuel 
means might be found to utilise these low grade reserves of the 
Transvaal. For the present there is enough good coal to go 
on with. At 6s. 8d. per ton, the value of marketable coal lying 
available in the Transvaal would amount to £20,000,000,000. 
In an article which appeared in the Nineteenth Century in 
1898 1 the following estimates of various coal supplies of the 
world were given : — 

United Kingdom .... 198,000,000,000 tons. 

Germany 112,000,000,000 „ 

France ' 18,000,000,000 „ 

The writer estimated the probable amount of Transvaal 
coal at only 15,000,000,000 tons. A closer estimate would 
be : — 

Total Transvaal coal . . . 300,000,000,000 
Deduct 80 per cent, inferior coal . 240,000,000,000 

Net quantity of good coal . . 60,000,000,000 tons 

The districts where the coalfields are best developed 
geologically, and where the best qualities of coal are found, 
are Middelburg and Ermelo. In these districts the percent- 
age of good coal to the whole bulk is higher than in the 
other districts. A considerable quantity has already been 
sent to Delagoa Bay for navigation purposes, and, owing to 
its high heat raising power and its low percentage of ash 
and sulphur, it has found a good market among the shippers. 

1 Benjamin Taylor in the Nineteenth Century, July 1898. 



io8 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Coal for a market of this kind must of course be picked and 
dressed. Hitherto, too little attention has been paid to this 
work, and only a few of the collieries have the necessary 
machinery ; but as the export coal trade develops this state of 
affairs will be altered, and navigation coal from the Transvaal 
may be expected to take a high place among South African 
coals in the market. The rapid development of the Natal 
coal industry during the last few months indicates what can 
be done. One chief necessity for stimulating this trade is 
the authorisation of railways required to tap the coalfields. 
A railway connecting Springs with the Delagoa line beyond 
Middelburg would traverse the richest coalfields in the 
country, and the other line which was authorised before the 
War, that from Ermelo to Machadodorp, would open up another 
first-class district. Taking Middelburg as the centre, the 
distance to Delagoa Bay is only 250 miles. At a railway 
rate of |d. per ton per mile, which should be a remunerative 
rate for down traffic to the coast, the freight to Delagoa Bay 
would only be about 10s. 6d. per ton. A halfpenny per ton 
per mile is the rate charged by the Cape Colonial railways 
for intercolonial traffic. In fact, for traffic coastwise the rate 
might even be reduced to Jd. Assuming that the coal could 
be mined and sold at the pithead at 1 os. per ton after paying 
working costs and all charges and leave a profit at that 
figure, the coal could be sold at Delagoa at about 21s. per 
ton ; at a rate of ^d. per ton per mile it could be sold at 15s. 
per ton. The ruling price at present for Natal coal at Durban 
is 30s., and the supply, on account of lack of railway facilities, 
cannot keep up with the demand. Some of the Natal coal 
companies are paying 1 o per cent, every three months in divi- 
dends, and carrying equal amounts to reserve. The profit on 
Natal coal at the price of 30s. is 15 s. per ton. To open the 
Transvaal coalfields for a profitable export trade, one of the 
principal necessities is an intelligent adjustment of railway 
tariffs. Needless to say this could not be obtained from the 
Netherlands Company. The great enhancement in value of 
coal in Europe affords the opportunity, and the new Govern- 
ment should leave nothing undone to develop the Transvaal 
coal industry. Besides the local demand in the country 



THE COALFIELDS 109 

itself, it should become a strong competitor for the shipping 
trade of the Southern Hemisphere. 1 Japan and Australia 
have secured the coal trade of the Far East, and South Africa 
is certain to have similar success in the South. The Trans- 
vaal must be energetic or Natal will get the monopoly. 

The following is a description of Middelburg coal by Mr. A. 
Crosby, mining engineer : — 

" There are five seams of coal proved in the district, four of 
which are workable. No. 1 seam varies from 6 to 9 ft. in thickness. 
The top part, about 2 feet 6 inches, is a gas coal, and the lower part 
is a good steam coal. It is opened on the farm Wolvekranz. On 
some farms this seam has been carried away by denudation. No. 2 
is a thin seam, 10 inches to 2 feet 4 inches in thickness, of bright 
gas coal, giving as high as 38 per cent, of volatile matter, and pro- 
ducing good coke. This seam is in most places too thin to be pay- 
able, but at various points where it is thickest it could be worked 
on the ' long wall ' system at a good profit as a gas-producing coal. 
It covers most of the area, but it is also denuded away in places. 
No. 3 is known as the Oliphant's River seam. It lies from 40 to 
60 feet below No. 2, and is a very valuable seam, producing gas, 
house, smithy, and steam coal. It varies in thickness from 10 to 
1 5 feet. The top part, 3 to 5 feet, is a gas and smithy coal of high 
quality, and produces good coke. The lower part gives carbon up 
to 69 per cent., and ash as low as 5.8 per cent. This is the seam 
worked at the Maggie Mine, and it covers most of the area. No. 4 
seam lies below No. 3, and at some points is in conjunction with it 
—as at Wolvekranz, where the combined seams make a total thick- 
ness of 25 feet. At other points it is as much as 40 feet below 
No. 3. This seam varies from 3 to 12 feet in thickness. It is a 
bituminous coal, but has not been worked sufficiently to allow of a 
fair estimate of its quality being made. No. 5 seam lies about 100 
feet below No. 3, and is the thickest seam in the series. It has so 
far been proved by boreholes only, the results of which give promise 
that it is a seam of good quality. At present shafts are being sunk 
in several places to cut this seam, and it is not unlikely that it may 
prove the most valuable of the lot. These coals are all bituminous, 
and may be divided into two classes — one with a dull and somewhat 
streaky lustre, with volatile matters about 26 per cent, and carbon 
62 to 69 per cent. ; the other is a bright coal, and contains more 
volatile matter, from 27 to 38 per cent. It burns with a long flame 



1 In the article quoted above Mr. Taylor states that of a total coal supply in 
one year of 574,532,600 tons, 550,935,000 came from the Atlantic basin, Europe 
contributing 369,565,000 tons, while only 22,097,600 tons came from the Pacific 
basin. 



no 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



and gives gas of high illuminating power. The following compara- 
tive analysis may be found interesting : — 



Mean of eleven seams of Welsh coal- 
Fixed carbon . 
Volatile matter . 
x\sn ...... 

Sulphur . . . . . 



82.79 per cent. 

I2.09 5> 

3-67 

i-45 



55 



100.00 per cent. 
Specific gravity, 1.32. 
Calorific effect — One pound evaporates approximately 13 lbs. 

of water. 

Mean of seven seams Newcastle-on-Tyne coal — 

Carbon ...... 66.54 per cent. 

Volatile matter . . . . .28.9 

Ash ....... 3-49 

Sulphur . . . . . .1.07 



55 
55 

>5 



100.00 per cent. 
Specific gravity, 1.28. 
Calorific effect — One pound evaporates approximately 12.75 lbs. 

of water. 

Mean of four samples of Middelburg No. 3 seam — 

Carbon ...... 62.57 per cent. 



Volatile matter . . . . .27.52 ,, 

Sulphur .79 „ 

Ash 7.37 

Water 1.75 „ 


Calorific effect- 


100.00 per cent. 
Specific gravity, 1.32. 
-One pound evaporates approximately 12.50 lbs. 
of water. 



"Other Transvaal coals used on the Rand have from 18 to 28 
per cent, of ash, and their mean calorific effect is, approximately, 
one pound evaporates 8J pounds of water. Taking the calorific 
power of the best Welsh coal as 100, that of Middelburg No. 3 
would be 96, and other coals at present in use 64. It will be 
noticed that many of the characteristics of Middelburg coal show 
it to bear great similarity to that of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and the 
heating power of both is almost equal. The sulphur in Middelburg 
No. 3 seam varies from .50 to 1.30. There is no coal found alto- 
gether free from sulphur (some English coal containing as much as 
3.50 per cent.), and, as it is generally agreed that if the percentage 
of sulphur does not exceed 1.50 the coal is suitable for metallurgical 



THE COALFIELDS in 

purposes, this seam may therefore be considered a good coal for 
metal workers. Its coke already commands a good price on the 
Rand. As a smithy coal the top part is excellent. It cakes well, 
and is comparatively low in ash. For shipping purposes the lower 
part of No. 3 seam should eventually command a large sale. Its 
percentage of sulphur is as low as that of most English and Welsh 
coals. In its heating effect it is about equal to these, and it has a 
fairly low percentage of ash. The heating effect is very rapid, and 
ships using it would be able to get up steam very quickly. 

" The only hindrance to the development of this great industry is 
the absence of adequate railway facilities and moderate freight rates. 
The N.Z.A.S.M. 1 have to send their empty trucks to Delagoa Bay in 
any case, and if they would reduce their rate from Brugspruit to 
Delagoa Bay to, say, 8s. per ton, every train going down would earn 
about ;£6o at very little additional cost above that required for 
taking down the empties. If this supply of Middelburg coal were 
available on the Rand it would go far to reduce working costs. 
Fewer boilers would be required, less wear and tear, and more 
uniform steaming power." 

It will be seen that Mr. Crosby considers that the best 
Middelburg coal only falls about 4 per cent, behind Welsh 
coal. In this he is probably over sanguine. By very close 
sorting such a value might be attained, but for ordinary 
working production a quality coming within 10 per cent, of 
Welsh is more probable. The steam-raising power of such 
coal is almost equal to Welsh for ordinary shipping, because 
it only means a certain amount of extra stoking, and the 
taking up of 10 per cent, more storage-room than the lesser 
quantity of Welsh coal required to produce the same power. 

Some experts have stated about Transvaal coal that it 
will not make good coke, that the product is too soft and too 
impure to be used for metallurgical purposes. But the 
reason for this statement, which may be accepted as true in 
the past, is that proper methods have never been applied to 
coke production in the Transvaal. In fact, the preparation 
of coal and its products for the market forms a branch of 
industry which is in its most primitive stage. 

In the North of England good coke is made from vastly 
inferior coal to the bright coal of Middelburg. The best and 
latest machinery is required in the manufacture of coke as in 
the manufacture of anything else, and a rich reward awaits 

1 Netherlands Railway Company. 



ii2 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

any one who enters the field adequately equipped for the pro- 
duction of coke. One enterprising little company, the " Home 
Coal Estates/' has done something in this direction with 
marked success. Its products are in great demand on the 
Rand, greater, in fact, than it can satisfy, and the trade is 
only in connection with the limited requirements of the 
mines in the smelting of gold. With proper machinery 
which would remove most of the impurities, and especially 
the greater part of the iron pyrites from the coal, a tough 
high-class pure coke could be made from Middelburg bright 
coal, and such a coke would speedily create a market for 
itself. The smelting of iron, lead, and copper would be 
made possible, with the consequence that numerous mines 
possessing rich ores of these minerals would quickly be 
opened up. Iron foundries and steelworks would begin to 
appear, and a Transvaal Black Country would come into 
existence. This applies especially to Middelburg, Pretoria, 
and Lydenburg districts. 

The opening up of a profitable coke industry and export 
trade in coal would allow coal for local consumption to be 
supplied cheaper than before. At present the consumption 
of coal on the Rand amounts to about 1,100,000 tons per 
year. That quantity does not include the coal used on the 
railways. By the reduction of railway rates and cheaper 
first cost at the mines, together with other economies pro- 
bable under the new Government, cheap coal will certainly 
help to bring the lower grades of gold ore within the range of 
profitable working. Mr. F. Eckstein, in his speech at the Rand 
Mines' meeting in 1898, stated that the difference between 
the Netherlands Company's exorbitant rates for coal and the 
Free State and Cape Colonial rates cost the Rand Mines 
subsidiaries for one year the sum of £45,000. This will also 
tend to enlarge the market for coal. Further, under the new 
Government new developments of industries may be expected, 
and factories will spring up to supply the wants of a rapidly 
increasing population. All these will require new railways 
and more coal. 

A bright future, therefore, appears in store for the coal 
industry of the Transvaal. In the past it has been one of 



THE COALFIELDS 



ii3 



StCTIOK 
BBAKPAH COLLIERY 
NORTH SOUTH 

LOAM 



SANDSTONE 



the great economic factors of the country ; without the coal- 
fields adjacent to the Rand the gold industry of the Trans- 
vaal would never have attained to the important position it 
holds to-day, only the richer mines could 
have been worked, and the fame of the 
Transvaal as a gold -producing country 
would probably have ranked behind that 
of Australia. With the power supplied 
by coal, notwithstanding the heavy transit 
rates and other hindrances, it has grown 
to be the greatest in the world. Cheaper 
coal may not only be expected to greatly 
help to extend gold-mining, but it might 
in the future cause other young indus- 
tries working on other minerals and raw 
materials to spring up with a vigour only 
second to that of the Transvaal's first 
great industry. The wealth of England 
and Scotland has been created by the 
industry of the inhabitants, aided by the great deposits of 
coal and iron available in these countries. The Transvaal, 
besides having gold, has got both coal and iron in abundance, 
and of the best quality. 

The present tax of one per cent, on the value of coal 
mined should be taken off. 




WITWATERSRANO 
STRATA 



H 



CHAPTER IX 

DIAMONDS, IRON, SILVER, LEAD, COPPER, AND OTHER 

MINERALS 1 

When the emigrant Dutch farmers, who left the British 
colony of the Cape of Good Hope, in 1836 crossed the Vaal 
River into what is now known as the Transvaal, they were 
struck with the evidences of mineral wealth, which were so 
conspicuous a feature in the territory they had decided to 
occupy. Yet though they were convinced that gold and other 
valuable products of the mineral kingdom existed, they were 
loth to encourage their development, fearing that the influx of 
strangers would prove a source of danger to their indepen- 
dence. So when the earlier gold-seekers announced the 
discovery of gold in the years 1852—54, the authorities 
warned them that any attempt to make the find known to the 
world would be followed by summary ejectment from the 
country. This did not prevent the farmers themselves from 
spreading rumours abroad regarding the wealth which lay 
hidden in the rocks on their properties. 

" Op myn plaats is veel Goud, koper en andere mineralen ,; 
was in every farm-owner's mouth, so soon as the stranger 
questioned him about his property. (" On my farm there is 
plenty of gold, copper, and other minerals.") 

But even their sanguine statements were to a great 
extent correct, though they knew not at the time that ere the 
generation which had entered the land would pass over to 
the great majority, they would be overwhelmed by the influx 
of gold-seekers whose advent they so much dreaded. 

The richness of the Transvaal does not by any means 
end with the minerals gold and coal already described. 

1 This chapter, with the exception of the notes from the Standard and Diggers' 
News on the Pretoria Diamond Fields, and the notes on Lead Smelting, has been 
contributed by Mr. David Draper, F.G.S., &c, of Johannesburg. 

114 



DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 115 

Copper, tin, lead, cinnabar, zinc, iron, and other metals 
exist in greater or less abundance, only awaiting the advent 
of intelligent development, aided by capital, to add to the 
resources of the country. 1 

This and the following pages will be devoted to a de- 
scription of the occurrences of these minerals which have not 
up to the present been developed to any extent, or which 
are entirely untouched. 

Diamonds. 

Though diamonds were known to exist in the country 
lying north of the Vaal, and especially in the vicinity of 
Pretoria, so far back as 1869, yet the source from whence 
the scattered diamonds were derived was only discovered in 
1897, by the finding of the " Rietfontein " — now known as 
" Schuller's " mine — about sixteen miles eastward of Pretoria 
on the main railway line to Delagoa Bay. 

A few small diamonds had been previously picked up in 
the Pienaars River, a stream which takes its rise in the 
neighbourhood of Rietfontein, but the finders were under 
the impression that the stones found had been dropped by 
natives, or transported by other means from the Kimberley 
mines. 

The theory advanced by early diamond diggers, that 
diamond pipes could only exist in lime-covered country such 
as that of Griqualand West, retarded prospecting operations 
in the more rugged ranges of the Transvaal where lime was 
almost entirely absent. 

Since the discovery of the " Rietfontein " (" Schuller's ") 
mine, which has proved to be a true diamond-bearing pipe, 

1 Discussing the coal and other resources of the Transvaal, M. Daniel Belief, in 
the Moniteur des Inte?-ets Materiels, July 1899, says : — " The Transvaal is a mining 
country in the largest sense of the word, iron, copper, cobalt and argentiferous 
lead are found in abundance, and the coal-beds form a prolongation of the well- 
known seams of Natal. Hitherto these ores and coal-beds have not received 
adequate attention. The coal production has been practically absorbed by the 
gold-mines, and the want of proper means of communication has prevented the 
export trade from developing. But this indifference cannot be maintained, and 
without dwelling upon the copper ores which are exceptionally rich, nor upon 
those of lead equally productive, nor on the hematite and magnetic ores which 
are found in millions of tons, and if worked would produce an enormous quantity 
of iron, it may be said that the presence of iron in a country is, in reality, more 
useful to it than gold." 



n6 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

three others of a similar nature have been discovered in the 
vicinity. One of these is situated partly on Rietfontein, 
extending eastward into the adjoining farm. The third is 
known as the Montrose mine, and is being worked by the 
Transvaal Diamond Mines, Limited. The fourth pipe was 
discovered by the occurrence of the accessory minerals, which 
invariably accompany the diamond in South Africa, in the 
gravel collected by the large ants, which are so numerous in 
this part of the country. It lies on the northern slope of the 
Magaliesberg, near Franspoort, about thirteen miles from 
Pretoria. 

From the three first mentioned mines over 20,000 carats 
weight of diamonds have been taken. The yield of the fourth 
has not yet been declared. 

In addition to these places diamonds have been discovered 
in the alluvial gravels of the rivers which rise in their 
vicinity, and notably on the farm Bynestpoort, which has 
yielded a large number of stones, many of good quality. 
Scattered diamonds have been picked up in various other 
parts of the Transvaal — in the district of Rustenburg, north 
of Pietersburg, in the Zoutpansberg ; they also occur in the 
auriferous conglomerates at Klerksdorp. 

Considering the comparatively short time that has 
elapsed since the announcement of the first discovery was 
made public, the pipes already found are conclusive evidence 
as to the diamond-bearing qualities of the Transvaal, and the 
wide extent of country in which diamonds have been picked up, 
or found by chance, augurs favourably for further discoveries. 

That the Transvaal will in the early future occupy high 
rank as a diamond-producing country, is placed beyond the 
region of doubt. 

The following notes on the Pretoria Diamond Fields * are 
taken from the Standard and Diggers News, London edition, 
April 21, 1899 : — 

"The Southern Belt. 

(1.) " Schuller's Diamond Mines, Ltd. — Result from washing 
surface and developing, mostly prospecting operations, 15,000 carats 

1 By Mr. Leo Weinthal, Pretoria. 



DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 117 

since a year. Now developing. Capital, ^4 00 5 000 sterling. Ex- 
cellent prospects. This is the only mine so far in the Pretoria 
diamond fields with 'soft' blue ground, 18,000 loads of yellow and 
blue ground on floors pulverising. Main shaft being sunk to 450 
feet. Blue ground proved by drill to over 650 feet. 1 

(2.) " Transvaal Diatnond Mines, Lid. (J. B. Robinson).— On 
farm 'Montrose portion,' Elandshoek, half hour from Schuller's. 
Capital, ,£50,000 sterling. So far only working red surface ground, 
of which large area. Recovered in five months, with small rotary 
machine, about 10,000 carats. Quality worth 17s. 6d. per carat. 
Reported a pipe recently discovered, shaft now being sunk. 

(3.) " Kaalfontein Farm, adjoining Schuller's, whose No. 2 pipe 
now being worked so successfully, is cut through by the border 
line of this farm (see map).— Diamonds of good quality have been 
picked up by Boer owners recently on surface after heavy rains. 
Property now being sold, and is to be floated in Paris by influential 
Ando-German financiers. 

" The Central Belt (the Wash). 

(4.) " Elandsfontein {South).— Mineral rights owned by Mr. 
Werner Jahn of Johannesburg, who has actively prospected same, 
finding good diamonds from 15s. to 50s. per carat in value. 

(5.) " Leeuw shaken. — Mineral rights same owner. Splendid 
indications, carbons and good garnets and several diamonds found, 
but so far little prospecting work done. 

(6.) " Byenestpoort.—Xcm been actively prospected by Byenest- 
poort D. M. Syndicate, for a pipe, of which good indications, but 
not yet located. The syndicate is getting about 200 carats per 
week from the wash, which is worked with small machine. Over 
1500 carats on hand, average value 27s. 6d. per carat, including 
some half-dozen lovely stones of high value. 

(7.) " Franspoort. — Belongs to ex-Treasurer-General Boshoff. A 
large and clearly defined pipe located here, with diamondiferous 
surface ground, proper yellow and blue ground. The latter not 
tested yet. Discovery only last month [February 1899]. Property 
worked by a Johannesburg syndicate. 

(7a.) "Elandshoek { West).— Some fifteen good diamonds dis- 
covered by working with hand sieves ; very little prospecting done. 

(8.) " Kameelfo7itein {South).— -The same wash as on Bynest- 
poort and Elandsfontein (South). Company now forming. 

(9.) " Derdepoort.— On the portion north of the Magahesberg 
the same wash is found. Syndicate now being formed in Pretoria to 
work same. 



1 This was the site of the battle known as Diamond Hill. 



n8 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



"The Northern Belt (Pipes). 

(io.) " Tweefontein. — On this farm a discovery of a proper pipe 
took place a few weeks ago by accident. The ground taken out of 
a hole, in which dead rinderpest cattle had been buried, has been 
found to give excellent diamond prospects. The formation is like 
Schuller's on the top of the hill, and the first washing results from a 
few loads were about ten diamonds of good quality. In the hands 
of a Pretoria syndicate. 

(n.) " Roodeplaats. — This farm belongs to Pretorius, Second 
Raad member. The Government mining prospector, Mr. Franke, 
located a proper pipe of about ioo yards radius on the banks of the 
Pienaars River. The surface deposits have evidently been washed 
away by former heavy floods. A 2^-carat white stone was picked up 
by Kaffirs near by quite recently. A 20-carat stone was found ten 
years ago and sold as a pretty crystal by the Boer owners. The 
blue ground in the pipe is similar to the very hard blue found in 
Schuller's first pipe, and which, by excessive tremendous volcanic 
heat, has been calcined almost to the hardness of rock. Property 
now being taken over by a Rand syndicate. 

"Almost every week new discoveries are reported." 

The Schuller mine is so far the most important opened up 
in the Pretoria district. The following particulars by Mr. 
A. Cooper-Key embrace late accounts of the mine : — 

"There are two large excavations, the east (or old) and the 
western (or new) mine about 45 feet or 60 feet deep. It is estimated 
that the extent of the mine is thirty or forty claims (a diamond claim 
measures 30 feet by 30 feet). In No. 2 (or new) mine a diamond 
drill hole has been sunk to 510 feet, at which depth blue core was 
still being brought up. The prepared floors for exposing the 
ground to the action of the weather extend to about 20 acres, and 
about 16 acres have been covered with yellow ground, representing 
nearly 20,000 loads. Washing operations were not carried out 
owing to the war, but a plant capable of dealing with 300 loads 
daily has been erected. The cost of washing is estimated at 2s. 
per load. Yellow ground and surface stuff washed in hand machines 
have given a yield of about 30 carats per 100 loads. It is stated 
that 13,000 carats have been recovered. Most of the work done 
has been paid for by receipts from the sale of diamonds." 



Iron. 

When the problem of producing suitable coke has been 
solved, the iron ores which are so abundant both in the 



DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 119 

Transvaal and Orange River Colony will be brought 

into use. 

It is doubtful whether any part of the world is so 
bountifully supplied with this most useful of metals. 

When the late Mr. G. W. Stow investigated the mineral 
resources of the Orange Free State about twenty years ago, 
he discovered iron in vast quantities near the present town 
of Vredefort. Since then the Transvaal has been found to 
contain immense quantities of the same mineral. 

These ores consist of three varieties: — 1st, The highly 
magnetic iron ores of the Pyramids and other spots in the area 
of the red granite north of Pretoria ; 2nd, The magnetite 
beds near Pretoria and other places in the Gatsrand series ; 
3rd, The iron oxides of the Hospital Hill series. 

With regard to the first mentioned, Professor Molengraaf, 
late State Geologist, states : T " Should an iron industry be 
established at some later date in this country, these de- 
posits of magnetic iron would become of great importance." 
It occurs in great abundance in the districts of Rustenburg, 
Pretoria, and Middelburg, where, on account of the highly 
magnetic power of the ore, a spot where it was plentiful 
received the name of " Magnet Heights" from the early 

explorers. 

It contains a high percentage of iron, and is comparatively 

free from phosphoric acid and sulphur. 

2nd. The magnetite beds of Pretoria are situated in the 
lower layers of the geological system named after the capital, 
but formerly called the Magaliesberg and Gatsrand beds. 

The " Pretoria " beds extend into the districts of Middel- 
burg and Lydenburg eastward, and into Rustenburg and 
Zeerust westward ; they also form an important range in the 
Heidelberg and Potchefstroom districts, known as the Gats- 
rand. Throughout the whole length of their occurrence they 
contain a group of rocks interstratified with which there are 
several layers of magnetite ranging in thickness from 3 to 10 
or more feet. The quantity of this ore is inexhaustible. 
The quality was proved by analysis taken under the super- 

1 See Report of the Minister of Mines of the Z.A.R., 1898, p. 6, State 
Geologist's report. 



120 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



vision of the late acting State Mining Engineer, the late 
Mr. Schmitz Dumont. It was as follows : — 



Iron Ore from Pretoria Town Lands. 



Fe 2 3 


67.16 


Si(3 2 .... 


23.08 


2^3 " 


5.08 


p 2 o 5 .... 


.68 


so 3 


.15 



In its low percentage of phosphorus and sulphur and 
high proportion of iron this ore compares favourably with 
the best known ores of Europe or America. It could be 
converted into steel by the ordinary process. 

The analysis showed that there was a small quantity of 
gold in this bed of magnetite, one assay yielding nearly 
3 dwts. per ton. 

Large areas containing this bed of iron ore lie in close 
proximity to the great coalfields of the Transvaal, and as 
limestone can also be obtained in almost any part of the 
country, all the essential elements for the establishment of 
ironworks are available. 

Hitherto the production of good coke has not been 
successful, owing as much to the want of practical knowledge 
of the method of treating coal, such as that of this country, 
as to the quality of the coal itself. This difficulty will be 
overcome, no doubt, and then the erection of blast-furnaces 
will follow. The failure of the Natal Iron Company, some 
years ago, was due to the want of good coking coal in that 
colony. 

3rd. The Hospital Hill series, which lies in the immediate 
neighbourhood of Johannesburg, and extends for over 200 
miles through the districts of Heidelberg, Potchefstroom, 
Klerksdorp, and in other parts of the colony, contains a limit- 
less supply of red oxide of iron, particularly suitable for iron- 
smelting. It is low in phosphorus and sulphur, with a high 
percentage of the metal. 

In connection with ironworks, fire resisting clays are an 
absolute necessity, and here again the Transvaal possesses 
the necessary mineral products. 



DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 121 

The finer sediments of the Dwyka Conglomerate, which 
occur in such well-developed beds at Vereeniging, Boksburg, 
and on the East Rand, are peculiarly suitable for the manu- 
facture of firebricks. For years past Messrs. Lewis & Marks 
have turned out good material for furnace linings made 
from the clay lying under their coal seams, which has now 
been identified as the less bouldery layers of the great 
moraine which, in South African geology, bears the name of 
Dywka conglomerate. 

Similar beds underlie the Boksburg coal, and they extend 
irregularly northward to Kaalfontein station on the Pretoria- 
Johannesburg line, where firebricks were also manufactured. 

The State Mining Engineer l states : — " There is no doubt 
that this country offers special opportunities for large iron- 
works. As regards a market, during the past year the 
value of imported machinery, iron goods, and railway material 
was £2,305,575." 

Stiver. 

This metal has been found native in small quantities in 
the Victoria Regina and Albert silver mines, Pretoria district, 
and in company with grey copper ore, at " The Willows," 
about 1 2 miles eastward of Pretoria. In this mine the 
assays were particularly high, as much as 5 OOO oz. per 
ton of ore being recorded. The " Transvaal " silver mine, 
where the metal occurred as argentite, in company with 
galena, was worked for some time, but eventually operations 
were suspended on account of the difficulty of obtaining 
suitable coke for reduction purposes. 

In the districts of Zeerust and Malmani, as well as in 
Rustenburg, large deposits of argentiferous galena occur, but 
their value in silver has not been ascertained up to the 
present. 

Lead. 

When the early pioneers of the Transvaal required lead 
wherewith to cast bullets for their ancient muzzle-loading 
guns, they proceeded to those parts of the country where 

1 Report, 1898. 



122 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

lead ore existed, more especially in the neighbourhood of 
Zeerust, and there they smelted such quantities as they 
required. 

This information reaching Kimberley, induced several of 
the more venturesome spirits to prospect the land from whence 
these reports originated. So Messrs. Raymond and Bray 
opened up the Bray lead mines on the Farm Rhenosterhoek, 
Zeerust district, and for some years they produced all the 
lead the country required. 

The ore they worked was galena (sulphide of lead), 
containing up to 20 oz. of silver per ton of ore. 

In course of time other deposits of galena were dis- 
covered nearer Pretoria, but as the invention of breech- 
loading rifles did away with the necessity of casting bullets, 
the industry died out completely. 

Lately, as the use of lead was introduced into the gold- 
saving processes on the Witwatersrand, the demand for this 
metal increased, and consequently several deposits were 
opened up near Pretoria. Of these, the Edendale mines 
produced the greatest amount of lead. 

Galena occurs in numerous places in the Transvaal, but 
principally in the regions where dolomite is the prevailing 
rock. 

It has been worked near Waterval Onder (Moore's Hill), 
a position most favourable for cheap transport to the coast. 

When lead is required for commercial or industrial 
purposes in such quantities as to encourage the development 
of the local sources of supply, they will be found sufficient 
to satisfy all demands. 

The following description of the process of smelting 
galena ore together with gold containing by-products from 
the gold mines as carried on by the Rand Central Ore 
Reduction Co. at Johannesburg, 1 is by Mr. A. Cooper-Key : — 

" The blast-furnace, which is capable of smelting from ten to 
twelve tons per twenty- four hours, is of the water-jacketed type. 
The depth is eighteen feet, and the internal measurement four feet 
square. Near the top of the furnace is a flue by means of which 
fumes are taken off through a dust chamber to a smoke-stack. In 

1 Standard and Diggers' News (London edition), October 14, 1898. 







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DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 123 

the working of the furnace, galena ore and litharge are fed together 
with coke and the gold-containing by-products which have been 
previously combined with various necessary materials and made 
into bricks. 

"At the present time English coke is being used almost ex- 
clusively, and the management complains that it is impossible to rely 
on prompt and regular delivery of the locally made coke, which, 
when it can be obtained, answers the purpose admirably. 

"The consumption of the Rand Central Ore Reduction Company 
amounts to between 2000 and 3000 bags per month, which in itself 
would almost warrant one of the coal-mines manufacturing coke 
regularly and pushing trade in that article. 

"The galena ore used comes chiefly from the Pretoria district, and 
in lesser quantities from Marico (Western Transvaal). It may be 
remarked that the quantity used varies considerably according to 
the requirements of the lead market, as it is practicable to add 
large quantities of galena without affecting the extraction of gold. 
The products of lead smelting are (a) lead bullion and (b) slag. 
Originally the by-product bricks assay about 15 oz. per ton of 
gold, and give a slag carrying only about 1 dwt. of gold per ton. 
Naturally the value of the lead bullion depends on the quantity of 
galena used, but it is approximately from 30 to 40 oz. per ton. 
This low-grade bullion is treated by the Park process. Under 
this system zinc is added to the bullion which forms a crust carrying 
the gold. This gold crust is retorted and cupelled. The lead is 
passed through a softening furnace yielding soft marketable lead. 
A new Park's plant, superseding the old, which was found too 
small for the company's requirements, comprised two crucibles 
holding 30 tons. 

"The market lead obtained by the softening process is either 
sold direct for pipe jointing, &c, or rolled into sheets and foil, for 
use in the Siemens- Halske process of electrical deposition, of which 
the Rand Central Company was the promoter. 

" A lead rolling plant comprises three pairs of English rolls. 
There are also pipe-making machines capable of turning out lead 
pipe varying from half an inch to eight inches in diameter. Pipes of 
the larger dimension are used for lining iron pump-pipes, protecting 
them against acidity in the water. This acidity has caused great 
inconvenience and expense at several mines, notably at the Durban 
Roodepoort Deep." 

Copper, 

The great number of ancient workings found scattered 
about the Transvaal were principally made by the early 
native tribes in order to obtain copper from which to manu- 
facture ornaments. The most extensive of these workings 
were at the Palabora, in the Zoutpansberg district, and at 



124 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Abjaterskop in the district of Zeerust, though others of 
lesser extent are to be found in many other places, especially 
in the district of Rustenburg. 

Recently such mines as the "■ Albert Silver " and the 
Willows were worked for their silver contents, though in 
reality they contained copper ores. Tetrahedrite (Fahlerz 
or grey copper ore), containing a high percentage of silver, 
was the prevailing ore, though copper carbonates occurred 
near the surface, and chalcopyrite (sulphide of copper) at 
the lower levels. 

The copper contents of the mineral averaged about 10 
per cent, for unsorted ore. The veins, which are true 
fissures, were numerous on the Willows, and extended 
throughout the length of the property and into several 
farms beyond. 

Difficulty of transport, the want of good coke, and above 
all the more profitable openings for capital in the develop- 
ment of the Witwatersrand Goldfield, militated against the 
working of either copper or any other mineral during the 
last decade. 

Several veins of copper ore were discovered in the 
district of Vryheid in the south-eastern portion of the 
Transvaal, and of these the most valuable are on the farm 
Goudhoek, No. 498, where several parallel veins occur, 
some of them carrying native copper, the others chalcopy- 
rite in fair quantity. But little work has been done on 
this property. 

The district of Rustenburg is rich in copper, but up 
to date little prospecting has been done, and its mineral 
resources are but little known. 

Finds of copper ore were reported lately from the 
neighbourhood of Krugersdorp, and near Potchefstroom ; 
these, however, were not followed up owing to the out- 
break of hostilities. 

Judging from the numerous occurrences of copper ore, 
and from the extent of the old workings, there is every 
probability of copper being discovered in such quantities as 
to warrant the erection of smelting works in the country. 

The ancient workings have never been explored ; those 



DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 125 

at Abjaterskop are of great extent, and it is probable that 
a large quantity of ore has remained unworked in them. 

In Namaqualand copper occurs in the granite and gneiss. 
Hitherto these rocks have not been explored for copper 
in the Transvaal, though it is probable that the ores may 
exist here, as they do there. The same geological forma- 
tion which contains these gneissic rocks in Namaqualand 
exists in the Transvaal. 

Zinc. 

On the farm Witkop, in the district of Zeerust, there 
exists a most interesting place, which yields a great variety 
of minerals — lead, cinnabar, and zinc being the principal. 
Covering less than an acre in surface area, and circular in 
form, this spot most resembles an ancient volcanic crater, 
though upon closer investigation the mineral lode is found 
to dip eastward under the dolomitic rocks in which it occurs. 
So far as it is possible to judge from the insignificant 
workings which have been made, the zinc ore (blende) is in 
great quantity, and possesses a high percentage of zinc. 

Unfortunately the farm belongs to one who does not 
need to delve in the earth for a living, and consequently the 
mineral wealth existing here must remain undeveloped, be- 
cause its owner has no inclination to work the mine himself, 
and will not allow any one else to do so. 

Specimens of zinc have been brought from the district of 
Rustenburg, where the mineral is said to exist in quantity. 

Tin. 

Cassiterite (tin oxide) was discovered in Swaziland some 
years ago. It occurred there in alluvial gravels, evidently 
derived from the neighbouring hill ranges. Though the 
mineral does not exist in quantities sufficient to warrant the 
formation of highly capitalised companies, it is admitted by 
those competent to judge that there is a large field wherein 
individual workers can do well at tin sluicing. It is self- 
evident that the mineral which now lies intermingled with 
the debris formed from the disintegration of the rocks in 



126 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

the vicinity must have been derived from some system of 
veins, rich in cassiterite, contained in the country rock, 
Some insignificant veins have been discovered at Emba- 
baan, in Swaziland, but it is not probable that the large 
amount of alluvial tin found in the gravels was derived from 
so limited a source. There is a good field for prospectors 
both in Swaziland and in the streams which flow through the 
Waterberg, as well as in the gravels of the Olifant and Salons 
River, where the mineral has been found. A shipment of 
Swaziland tin was sold in England in 1899 for £83, 15s. 6d. 
per ton. 

Cobalt. 

This mineral ranks among the early discoveries in the 
Transvaal. A mine was opened on the farm " Kruisriver," 
near Middelburg, in 1885 by the late Mr. Percy Whitehead, 
and from this source a large quantity of cobalt was exported. 
Though some of the ore realised the sum of £405 per ton, 
and the average price obtained was £158 per ton, mining 
operations were suspended, owing to the overstocking of the 
market for this product. As other uses for cobalt have 
lately been discovered, it is probable that the Transvaal 
sources of supply will come to the fore again. In addition 
to the occurrence of cobalt on Kruisriver, it has also been 
discovered near Balmoral, and at several places in the Rus- 
tenburg district. The ore contains a high percentage of 
arsenic. 

Platinum. 

The well-known Black Reef series, from which gold was 
obtained in large quantities, has lately been found to be rich 
in platinum in certain spots, notably in the district of Klerks- 
dorp, on the town commonage, as well as farther westward 
towards Buffelsdoorns. It occurs in fine grains in the gold- 
bearing conglomerate, frequently as much as if ounces per 
ton of ore. 

No attempt has yet been made to develop this mineral 
in any of the places where it has been found; the little 
collected at the gold-mills having been regarded more as a 



DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 127 

curiosity than from an economic point of view. There is, 
however, little doubt but that a thorough search would prove 
the quantity to be well worth working in certain parts, though 
perhaps not along the whole extent of the Black Reef. 

Osmium and iridium are also found in connection with 
the platinum on this line of reef. 



Mercury. 

Cinnabar, the most abundant source from which mercury 
is obtained, is found in a well-defined bed interstratified in 
the " Barberton " formation at the Lomati River, east of 
Barberton. Workings have proved the continuity of the ore 
to the depth attained, about fifty feet ; and as there is no 
evidence of its terminating at this level, and as it is found 
outcropping for a distance of over 600 yards on the surface, 
and maintaining an average width of about 2 J feet, it may 
be regarded as a permanent lode, and as such will no doubt 
be made to add its contribution to the wealth of the country. 
At present it is lying dormant owing to the difficulty experi- 
enced during the past in inducing capital to be placed in any 
other venture than gold. Assays made of ore from this vein 
have proved it to be rich in mercury ; in fact, the percentage 
is far greater than that of the mines of Spain or California. 
In company with other metals cinnabar is found at Witkopje, 
a farm near Zeerust. 

Antimony. 

Mr. Wilson-Moore read a paper at one of the early meet- 
ings of the Geological Society of South Africa (see vol. i. 
No. 3, p. 56, of the Transactions), wherein he demonstrated 
that enormous quantities of antimony (stibnite) existed in the 
Murchison Range. Though there is no use at present for 
any large quantity of antimony, it may at some future date 
enter into more general demand, and be employed for pur- 
poses unknown at present. The antimony at the Murchison 
Range contains a high percentage of gold ; said to be 15 dwts. 
per ton. This mineral also occurs at the Komati, near 
Steynsdorp. 



128 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



Bismuth. 

Rustenburg district has supplied samples of bismuth, but 
whether there is any quantity of the mineral is unknown. 

Nickel. 

Also from Rustenburg, but quantity and value of ore 
unknown. 

Uranium, 

Pitchblend containing a high percentage of uranium was 
discovered on a farm near the Willows Mine, Pretoria, but 
the find was not developed. 

Magnesite {Carbonate of Magnesia), 

which forms a fire-resisting material superior to any other, 
occurs in deposits of great extent at Kaap Muiden Station, 
on the Delagoa Bay line. 

Graphite , 

suitable for the manufacture of crucibles, exists in immense 
quantity in the Magaliesberg, near Rustenburg. 

Gannister, 

moulding sand, and other necessaries for the development of 
the iron industry are abundant throughout the country. 

Manganese 

is abundant wherever the dolomite formation, which occupies 
about one-fifth of the area of the Transvaal, has been sub- 
jected to disintegration by atmospheric influences. 

Cement. 

Minerals suitable for the manufacture of first-rate cement 
are plentiful, and a cement works has been in operation near 



DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 129 

Pretoria for several years, turning out a large quantity of 
cement, which was used locally, in place of the imported 
article, with which it compared favourably. 

Magnesite 

cement is used for the manufacture of building materials, 
especially ornamental portions of structures. The beds of 
this mineral at Kaap Muiden have been tested and found of 
superior quality, while the quantity of the mineral is very 
great. 

Building Stones 

of great variety exist almost everywhere. The coal measure 
sandstones yield an excellent " freestone," from which several 
of the finest buildings in Johannesburg and Pretoria have been 
constructed ; for instance, the Bank of Africa, Commissioner 
Street, Johannesburg, and Lewis & Marks' Buildings, Pretoria. 
The vogesite dykes at Wonderfontein have been employed 
for purposes where great durability is required, such as the 
steps to the Post Office, Johannesburg, and other public 
buildings. This rock can be obtained in great quantities near 
Johannesburg. It would form a most ornamental variety of 
rock, suitable for columns or monumental work, if properly 
polished. It resembles the red varieties of granite employed 
for these purposes in Europe. Highly ornamental serpentines 
exist at Pretoria, but further than for experimental purposes 
these have not yet been used. There is a thick bed of fine- 
grained crystalline limestone near Belfast, which has been 
tested for lithographic purposes, and found equal to that im- 
ported from Germany. Many layers in this bed are beauti- 
fully streaked, and would form most ornamental material for 
mantelpieces, or other similar uses. 

Mica, 

now so largely required for electrical purposes, has hitherto 
not been discovered of such quality as to warrant develop- 
ment, but at the same time the specimens from the northern 
districts are encouraging, and invite more careful investigation 
of the localities where they are found. 

1 



130 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Impure Opal 

exists in great quantities in connection with the great com- 
plex of rocks which lie north of the Magaliesberg. Fairly good 
specimens of noble opal have been discovered near Pretoria. 
It is highly probable that with diligent prospecting, layers 
suitable for jewellery purposes would be located. 

Rubies 

have been reported from the Zoutpansberg, but their occur- 
rence is not definitely ascertained yet. 

Turquoise 

has also been reported from the same locality, but the discovery 
requires confirmation. 

Abrasive Minerals. 

Corundum has been discovered in Swaziland and on the 
eastern slopes of the Drakensberg, near Lydenburg, also 
occurring in crystals in an igneous rock near Vredefort, in 
the Orange River Colony. 

Keizelguhr, 

suitable for the manufacture of dynamite, exists in quantity 
near Amsterdam. This occurrence is fully described in the 
report of the State Geologist for 1898. 

Chromite 

is abundant at De Kroon, Rustenburg, and other places in 
the neighbourhood. 

JEschynite and Monazite, 

containing a high percentage of the mineral thorium, which 
is employed for the manufacture of incandescent mantles for 
gas lamps, is found in the streams in which the tinstone 
occurs at Embabaan, Swaziland ; where also scheelit (tung- 
state of lime) has also been discovered. 



DIAMONDS AND OTHER MINERALS 131 

General. 

From the foregoing pages it will be observed that the 
Transvaal is an excellent field for prospecting operations. 

The variety of minerals, of which those mentioned do 
not by any means complete the list, and the great extent of 
country in which they occur, places it in the foremost rank 
as a mineral country. 

Hitherto the proprietorship of the land has to a consider- 
able extent prevented the proper development of its mineral 
resources. The owners of large areas who were non-resi- 
dent were averse to allowing their properties to be prospected, 
they reserving the mineral wealth for future development, by 
means of capital raised for the purpose. The individual 
prospector stood no chance under these circumstances. When 
the whole mineral wealth of the country in general is national- 
ised, and every unproclaimed farm is thrown open to the 
public, then there will be some prospect of employment for 
those who are skilled in searching for minerals. 

The resident farm owner was not, as a rule, a stumbling- 
block to the prospector. He could be dealt with. But the 
non-resident, whether represented by a single individual or 
a public company, would not allow prospecting at any price. 

Thus many portions of the Transvaal are entirely unpros- 
pected at present. The districts of Rustenburg and Water- 
berg are, for the greater part, unprospected in the proper 
sense of the term, yet they are undoubtedly rich in mineral 
wealth. Pilands Berg especially is a particularly favourable 
locality for several of the more valuable minerals. 

The diamond mines of the Transvaal are in their infant 
state. Barely three years have elapsed since the announcement 
was made in the local Geological Society that the Transvaal 
was to be included in the diamond-bearing area of South 
Africa. Yet four true diamond-bearing pipes have been 
discovered in that time, and when the great extent of country 
is taken into consideration over which diamonds have been 
picked up, it will be readily admitted by those who are not 
prejudiced against the country, that there is a good prospect 
of finding many other pipes. Though granting that some 



132 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

of the diamonds found on the surface may be " emigrants " 
from worked mines, yet when a number of stones are found 
within a limited area, as at the " De Kroon/' they must have 
been derived from some local source not far distant. 

Nor are all the gold occurrences properly known at present. 
The map and sections opposite pp. 10 and 42 are evidences 
to the contrary. Parts of the country which are known 
to contain the extensions of the auriferous conglomerates 
have not been exhausted so far as their gold contents are con- 
cerned. Large areas have been completely ignored, and others 
passed over after a most cursory examination of their value. 

Large portions of the northern districts are practically 
unknown, except to the hunter or trader. What little pros- 
pecting has been done was generally under the supervision 
of unskilled persons. Those days are happily past when any 
one who was too lazy to work at a settled trade or profession 
could induce some of his acquaintances to fit him out in a 
prospecting equipment and send him forth in the expectations 
of his finding a " Sheba." The prospector of to-day must 
have more than a rudimentary knowledge of mineralogy, or 
he will make but little progress. 

Though by no means exhausting the interesting subject 
with which this chapter deals, enough has been written to 
show that there are many minerals which await development 
in both the newly acquired territories, and at the same time 
there is a great field open for capital in further developing 
those which are already known to exist, and to open up parts 
of the country as yet but little prospected. 

[The geological survey of the Transvaal, which was under the general direction 
of Dr. Molengraaf, has made slow progress in consequence of the small amount 
of technical assistance granted by the late Government. As a matter of fact, 
too much work fell on the shoulders of the State Geologist. About 5000 South 
African specimens have been collected for the State Museum at Pretoria. 
A few districts have been partially surveyed. Dr. Molengraaf considered that 
with sufficient assistance "the whole State could be thoroughly mapped out 
geologically in the course of ten years or so. The maps would rather be 
sketch maps than closely detailed ones. A commencement of the geological 
survey has been made, Pretoria district being the first area selected." 

The importance of a proper geological survey of the new colonies cannot be 
over-estimated, and it is to be hoped that energetic and adequate financial 
support will be forthcoming for this important branch of State service. Dr. 
Molengraaf has done most valuable work during the short period of his appoint- 
ment.— W. B.] 



CHAPTER X 

THE DYNAMITE MONOPOLY 

One of the principal grievances of the Mines against the 
late Government was the dynamite monopoly. As a fact, 
the grant and persistent maintenance of this iniquitous 
monopoly in the face of continual opposition from the 
inhabitants, both Uitlander and Boer, was only on a piece 
with the general policy of the Transvaal Government ; that 
was, devising taxes on the efforts of the people, not so much 
for the benefit of the State as for the enrichment of individual 
speculators who could afford to pay the various members of 
the Government for the benefits the}^ secured to them. The 
terms of the first contract made it clear that the concessionaire 
was bound to manufacture dynamite and other explosives in 
the State, and as far as possible he was to obtain the raw 
material from supplies available in the Transvaal itself. This 
concession was grossly abused, and the so-called factory was 
merely a place where guhr itnpregne (dynamite) was received 
from abroad and made up into suitable cartridges. All this 
dynamite was imported free of duty ; the concessionaires 
making a profit of from £2 to £3 a case. The opposition to 
the monopoly grew so strong, that an inquiry was made by 
the Volksraad into the matter, and as a result the concession 
was cancelled, it being evident that the Government had been 
grossly deceived. Shortly afterwards the iniquity was re- 
established. This time it was called a State monopoly, and 
the Government soon gave away its rights of working the 
same, and the greater part of the profits accruing. A com- 
pany was formed, and blocks of shares were given to various 
partners and persons interested in the old concession. Full 
details of the flotation were brought out in the evidence before 
the Concessions Commission in October 1900. Nobels, of 

Glasgow and Hamburg, obtained a considerable interest in 

133 



i 3 4 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

the new monopoly. Other conditions of the flotation were, 
that the several parties who had helped to obtain the agency 
were to receive so much on every case sold. 

Messrs. Lewis & Marks received 2s. a case. 
Mr. Lip pert received 6 s. a case for fifteen years. 
„ received 2 s. a case for three years. 

The Government itself received 5s. a case. 

The Company formed to work the agency was known as the 
South African Explosives Company. The capitalisation of 
the Company was ^4 50,000, distributed as follows 1 : — 

Shares. 

;£*2 20,000 to provide cash working capital. 
25,000 to Mr. Lippert. 
182,500 to the French Company as compensation for 
the cancellation of the old contract. 
22,500 to Dr. Gobert "for services rendered." 



^450,000 

By the terms of the contract conferring the agency the 
Company was bound to erect and complete a factory capable 
of supplying all the requirements of the country within two 
and a half years. This period terminated on the 24th April 
1896. The Company failed to complete the factory within 
the stipulated time, the factory being only completed on 22nd 
October 1 896. Further, the factory was incapable of supply- 
ing the requirements of the mines, and it was estimated that 
290,000 cases would have to be imported by the Company 
for the years 1897 and 1898. The Volksraad Dynamite 
Commission calculated that the profit on these 290,000 cases 
would be no less than ^580,000, being at the rate of £2 
per case. 

1 The following is from an account of the evidence given before the Con- 
cessions Commission at Pretoria in the Morning Post of October 2, 1900 : — "The 
books and documents of the Company, which were impounded during the British 
military occupation of Pretoria, had been carefully examined by accountants, 
and their report showed that the Company had deliberately written off enormous 
sums in order to reduce the Government share in the profits. The books further 
showed that the participants in the profits up to date were as follows : Lippert 
and Dynamite Agency Company, ,£320,000; Company Shareholders, £292,000 ; 
Transvaal Government, £264,000 ; Lewis & Marks, £60,000 ; Directors in 
Europe, £48,000; Bonuses and Fees for Vorstman of Pretoria, £38,000. 

"The total reserve and undivided profits to the end of December last were 
shown to be respectively ^826,000 and £418,000." 



THE DYNAMITE MONOPOLY 135 

On evidence given, the Industrial Commission, appointed 
by the Government to report on the grievances of the mining 
community, had previously advised the Government to cancel 
the concession, and to allow free trade in explosives, subject 
to a duty of 20s. per case. 

The questions of breach of contract on the part of the 
Company and the right of the Government to cancel the con- 
cession were referred to several of the leading counsel in 
South Africa. Among those consulted were Mr. W. P. 
Schreiner (late Prime Minister of Cape Colony), Dr. F. W. 
Reitz (late State Secretary Z.A.R.), Advocates Curlewis and 
Smuts (late State Attorney Z.A.R.). With the exception of 
that of Mr. Smuts, all the opinions were to the effect that 
cancellation was within the rights of the Government. 

The Government did not accept the recommendation of 
the Industrial Commission, but referred it, with the other 
matters reported on, to another Commission, the members 
of which were Messrs. A. D. Wolmarans, F. G. Wolmarans, 
C. Tosen, Barend Vorster, and Louis Botha. This Com- 
mission recommended the Government not to cancel the 
monopoly, but to accept instead the offer which the Com- 
pany had made of a reduction of 5 s. per case, and 
besides to waive its rights to the 5 s. accruing to the State 
under the contract, making a total reduction of 10s. The 
recommendations were adopted. Barend Vorster and Louis 
Botha noted their objection to some articles of the report. 
This brought the price of dynamite down to 75s., and blast- 
ing gelatine to 97s. 6d. In 1899 the British Government 
took the matter up on the ground that the dynamite monopoly 
constituted a breach of the London Convention, in that it 
prevented British subjects from having equal rights with the 
subjects of other nations to trade in dynamite, or any other 
commodity. In face of this the Government attempted to 
get the Volksraad to prolong the period of the monopoly by 
another fifteen years. The Volksraad, however, was against 
this extension. 

An attempt was then made by Mr. Lippert to make 
terms with the mines. The story is fully told in Mr. 
Fitzpatrick's book, " The Transvaal from Within." Nomi- 



136 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

nally Mr. Lippert opened negotiations for the purpose of 
obtaining a settlement of all grievances then being com- 
plained of by the Uitlander community. But it soon ap- 
peared that Mr. Lippert's efforts were principally directed 
towards keeping the dynamite monopoly alive. Mr. Fitz- 
patrick says " that it was known Lippert would receive the 
further sum of £150,000 if the monopoly remained uncan- 
celled for five years." He goes on to explain the offer which 
had been made by the Chamber of Mines : — 

" The Government had, in fact, been placed in a very awkward 
position. One of the excuses for not expropriating the monopoly 
had been, that the State had not been successful in raising a loan. 
In order to deal with this objection, the Chamber of Mines had, in 
the month of February 1899, made an offer, guaranteed by all the 
principal firms on the Rand, to provide the sum of ^600,000 to 
compensate the monopolists for their actual expenditure up to date 
upon buildings, plant, machinery, &c, so that there should be no 
semblance of injustice in the treatment meted out to them. The 
conditions of the offer were, that the dynamite monopoly should be 
cancelled, and importation of explosives permitted under an import 
duty, which would give the State a very large revenue at once, and 
which in the course of a few years would provide a sinking fund 
sufficient to extinguish the loan of ;£6oo,ooo. The offer was so 
favourable to the State that it placed the Government in a quandary. 
The attitude of the Volksraad, too, was distinctly hostile to the 
dynamite monopoly ; and on the top of all were the representations 
of the Imperial Government upon the subject. It became necessary 
to do something to save the threatened ' corner-stone ; ' hence the 
peace negotiations between the Government and the capitalists." 

Nothing resulted from these negotiations. Accordingly 
when the War broke out the dynamite monopoly was still in 
existence, but various valid and legal grounds for its cancella- 
tion appear to have been proved, and perhaps another session 
of the Volksraad would have dealt with the question honestly, 
and it would have gone. With the further evidence obtained 
by the Concessions Commission appointed by the Imperial 
Government in September last, there can be little doubt that 
the days of the monopoly are numbered, and it only remains 
to consider what benefit the new colony will derive from its 
cancellation. 

The following statements from the Chamber of Mines' 
report, 1889, shows the facts in a comparative form: — 



THE DYNAMITE MONOPOLY 



137 



Dynamite is delivered at the following places at prices as 
under : — 



Sheba Company, Barberton 
Mines of Central Witwatersrand . 

De Beers Company, Kimberley 1 



Miles Price of No. 1 

from Coast Dynamite delivered 
Port. at Mine. 



123 

485 



*89s. od. 

*76s. od. 

37s. od. 



* 2s. 6d. per case, payable by agent to Government. 

It may be stated that the factory as now completed is 
capable of dealing with something over 200,000 cases per 
annum, and perhaps the factory may be taken over at cost 
valuation. This seems more than the Company deserves. 
Evidence was given before the Concessions Commission at 
Cape Town to the effect that the factory was built out of 
profits illegally made. 

The rate of consumption during 1899 was 300,000 
cases per annum. The Chamber of Mines report states that 
dynamite No. 1 can be delivered at 45 s. per case, and that 
in the same proportion, blasting gelatine could be laid 
down at 67s. 6d. The best policy that the new Government 
can adopt appears to be to allow free importation of dyna- 
mite, subject to a duty of 5 s. per case. The prices in 
Johannesburg would then be 50s. and 72s. 6d. 2 respectively 
for dynamite and blasting gelatine, or a further reduction to 
the mines of 25 s. per case from the old scale of prices. A 
consumption of 350,000 cases per annum may be expected 
in the immediate future, and the 5 s. duty would bring in 
£87,500 of revenue to the Government to begin with. This 
policy would mean a material reduction of working costs 
(about £425,000 a year immediately) on the mines and a 
reliable and growing source of income for the Government. 

1 "Nobel's Trust undertake to deliver dynamite No. 1 on the works of the 
De Beers Company at Kimberley at 37s. 6d. per case plus the duty of 12s. 6d. 
per case imposed by the Cape Government. The consumption of explosives by 
the De Beers Company is 15,000 cases per annum." 

"The very people who supply us at 75s. offered to deliver dynamite here at 
40s. in bond before they obtained the monopoly, and are now supplying the 
De Beers Company at 50s., out of which the Cape Government takes 12s. 6d. for 
duty, leaving 37s. 6d. as the price received by the vendors in Kimberley." 

2 Probably less for blasting gelatine. 



CHAPTER XI 

THE LAND 

It is an axiom that the maintained prosperity of a country 
lies not so much in its mineral wealth, which may become 
exhausted, as in its husbandry and in the capacity of its 
industrial resources. The tillage of the soil and the pros- 
perity which arises from industrial effort, may be said to be 
in their infancy in the Transvaal. - 

In inquiring into its agricultural resources it must be re- 
membered that the country is young in experience, and that 
its purchasing power was small until the Rand, with its 
teeming life and great demands, came into existence and took 
all that the farmers liked to send to its markets. It is a new 

Transvaal which has come into being with the new century 

a Transvaal which can support a pastoral and agricultural 
population of the best type, not afraid of work, and with a 
nobler aim in life than living from hand to mouth, looking on 
while the gold-mining world at its very doors calls for food 
and calls in vain. 

Agriculture in the Transvaal has had its share of simu- 
lated protection. This did the Boers no good, because such 
protection failed to stimulate them to greater exertion. All 
that the country, with an assured mineral industry, lacks to 
become a most prosperous corn and stock raising country is a 
truly industrious farming population and the fostering care of 
good government. 

With proper government and the stable support of the 
Empire, no one knowing the capabilities and resources of 
the land can doubt that the result of its present cleansing 
by fire and sword will be the permanent establishment 
of its prosperity on other bases besides that of gold-mining. 

The mineral wealth must be looked upon as a valuable aid, 

138 




THE LAND \y * 39 

and the opportunities it offers of unlimited markets must be 
fully taken advantage of to nurse and sustain the great per- 
manent industries of the country, which will exist after the 

gold has gone. 

The agricultural and kindred resources of the Transvaal 
are very great. The immense rolling plains of the high veld 
are capable of raising millions of bushels of cereals. There 
are miles upon miles where the steam plough can prepare 
the way for almost limitless areas of wheat, mealies, Kaffir 
corn, and oat hay. Mealies grow almost anywhere without 
irrigation, and the same may be said of Kaffir corn or millet. 
The country offers great opportunities for stock-farming, 
but it also is as yet a primitive industry. As did his fore- 
fathers with their sheep and cattle, so does the present-day 
Boer with his. He makes no winter shelters, but at the 
approach of winter on the high veld, when the grass begins 
to wither and the keen night winds leave the animals shiver- 
ing and starving until the rising of the sun warms the air, 
the Boer and his family set off to the low country— the 
northern bush veld, the warm valleys of the Kaap gold- 
fields, and the sheltered lowlands of the Swazi country — with 
his flocks and herds, and there he abides until the spring- 
time. Then he travels back to his high veld farm, where 
his stock, impoverished by the long journey, soon regain 
strength and condition on the rich grass and bracing air. 
Winter shelters and the liberal growth of silage stuff would 
save all these weary travels and the consequent waste in 
lambs too feeble to face the journey. They have done some- 
thing in the Free State, but little or nothing in the Transvaal, 
to stock farm on a common-sense basis. Boer methods, both 
as regards agriculture and stock-raising, although possessing 
certain advantages in a new country, have been primitive and 
unprogressive. 

When the hardy Voortrekker l first crossed the Vaal he 
might well have exclaimed, like the Voortrekkers of the 
Bible, " This is a goodly land, flowing with milk and honey." 
Accustomed as he had been to see only the great grey plains 
of the arid Karoo, his eye had found rest when crossing the 

1 Voortrekker = pioneer. 



"-^ 



140 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

grassy expanse of the Free State ; but when he came to the 
Transvaal he entered a land truly with verdure clad, a water 
rich country diversified with sweeping valleys and ridges, 
great downs rising in gentle billowy swells to the summit of 
the high veld — a great natural park, with clumps of mimosa 
here and there, growing thickest near the water-courses. 
Instead of the dried-up streams of the Karoo or the muddy 
ditches of the Free State, here were rills and rivers of water 
of purest crystal, their sources in many cases being veritable 
rivers flowing out of the rocks, bubbling up sweet and pure, 
water which quenched the thirst and gratified the eye. 
The rivers, strooms, spruits, and fonteins of the Transvaal 
are all moot, sterk, schoon, and wonderlyk — beautiful rivers, 
strong streams, fair rivulets, and wonderful fountains ; these 
are the terms the Voortrekker applied to the waters of the 
Transvaal, nor do their names belie them. 

In order to convey a correct understanding of the water 
supply of the country it will be necessary to describe briefly 
one of its chief natural features. 

The elevated uplands of the Witwatersrand may be said 
to be the backbone of the country in more senses than one. 
Its elevation is from 4500 to 6000 feet above sea level. 
It runs approximately east and west, and its highest ridge 
may be said to be at an average distance of sixty miles from 
the southern boundary of the colony. On this great ridge 
most of the rivers of the country take their rise. It has 
special geological features, which make it an immense natural 
reservoir for receiving and holding a large percentage of the 
rainfall. The average rainfall on the elevated Rand is about 
28 inches per annum. The water-holding capacity is chiefly 
due to the existence of the magnesian limestone rock or 
dolomite, which occupies large areas. This rock is known 
by the Boers by the name of Oliphants Klip (Elephant's 
Rock), on account of the weathered surface bearing a marked 
resemblance to the hide of an elephant. It abounds in caves 
and cavities, and is consequently like a huge sponge which 
retains the water and allows it to gradually escape and over- 
flow at the numerous eyes or fountains which form the 
sources of the rivers. It supplies the country with perennial 



THE LAND 14 1 

streams of water. The discovery of the economic importance 
of this rock is greatly due to Mr. D. Draper, F.G.S., who 
pointed out its capabilities, and on whose advice its stores 
were requisitioned for the water supply of Johannesburg. 
This dolomite formation runs along the Witwatersberg be- 
tween Pretoria and Johannesburg and westwards for a 
distance of nearly two hundred miles to Malmani. As it 
occurs at a high elevation, the streams which take their rise 
along the flanks can be utilised to water the lower grounds 
in the Pretoria, Rustenburg, and Marico valleys. To this 
rock, which covers about one -fifth of the land surface 
of the Transvaal, Pretoria owes its magnificent water 

supply. 

An extensive branch of the same formation lies south 
of the Witwatersrand, and, although in not such an elevated 
position, it also serves a similar purpose for all the lower 
country between it and the Vaal river. 

Eastwards of Johannesburg this dolomite is covered by 
the more recent coal-bearing formations, but it doubtless 
exists at a depth and has its reservoirs full of water, because 
the rivers arising there are equally strong and permanent. 
All the streams rising on the southern side of the high veldt 
watershed, that is, the Witwatersrand and its eastern and 
western continuations, fall into the Vaal. The principal 
streams are the Makwassiespruit in the west, the Schoon- 
spruit, the Mooi River, the Klip River, and Blesbokspruit, 
and the head waters of the Vaal itself. These are carried 
to the Atlantic Ocean. Those rising on the northern side 
of the watershed flow into the Komati, Olifants, and Crocodile 
Rivers. Beginning at the west the chief streams are the 
Groot and Klein Marico, Hex River, Magalies River, Crocodile 
River, Aapies River, Pienaars River, Bronkerspruit and the 
Olifants River, and Komati, and their head waters. Farther 
north the rivers take their rise similarly for the most part in 
the same dolomite rocks which are found on the western 
slopes of the Drakensberg in the Lydenburg district. The 
western portion of the northern country drains into the 
Crocodile and the eastern into the Olifants Rivers. It will 
be seen, then, that the river systems of the Transvaal are 



142 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

fed at their sources from perennial supplies of water, and it 
is seldom they are found dry. 

When they first arrived the Boers soon laid out lands 
along the banks of the rivers, and they constructed water 
furrows which converted portions of the rich meadow lands 
into gardens, producing food more than plenty for all then 
in the land. Unfortunately afterwards they stopped, as if 
their energy were exhausted. The cattle grazed on the 
adjoining downs and grew fat. The horses thrived and the 
people lived their lives in an arcadia of plenty modelled on 
lines of their own. But an arcadia not always peaceful, be 
it understood. 

The Mooi River and the Schoonspruit were among the 
first to be settled, and the historic town of Potchefstroom 
became the capital of the country. 

Farther north after the watershed of the Witwatersrand 
— the watershed of the Atlantic and Indian oceans — was 
passed, another country of different character and greater 
beauty from that of the high veld was discovered. Water in 
plenty, soil more fertile, trees in greater number, and climate 
warmer. 

Where Pretoria now stands was an ideal place for 
settlement, a beautiful stream, its source screened by a 
clump of mimosa trees, welled out from the rocks of the 
Witwatersberg and flowed down the valley to join another 
in the next valley from the same water-giving rocks. Here 
first a laager and then a town was formed. The water was 
led over the land, and to-day the result is leafy Pretoria. 
Its streets with rivulets of water running along their sides 
and its gardens stretching wide over the land on both sides 
of the stream. Gardens yielding every year extraordinary 
crops of vegetables, grain, and fruit. A morgen of land is 
now worth from £50 to £200. Eastwards and westwards 
stretches the valley in which Pretoria lies. It extends for 
a length of a hundred miles, and every few miles it is crossed 
by a stream of water flowing from the same natural reser- 
voirs which supply the fountains of Pretoria. 

Immediately to the north there is another valley stretch- 
ing along the slopes of the Magaliesberg westwards to 



THE LAND 143 

Ruster.burg and on still farther west to Zeerust in Marico. 
Throughout this district the soil is composed of deep red 
loam 1 containing nitrate of potash, with rich black alluvial 
humus along the rivers. Wheat-growing, tobacco-growing, 
fruit-growing of inexhaustible fertility. Eastwards the high 
veld merges more quickly into the low country and the soil 
is not so fertile. 

The stretch of country 50 miles wide and 200 miles 
long between the high veld and the bush veld make up an 
area of 10,000 square miles of country with soil of great 
richness. All it requires is to have the abundant supply of 
water led on to its surface. This is the country of Pretoria, 
Rustenburg, and Zeerust. Farther north is the bush veld, 
useful for affording winter pasturage, but not so healthy. 

Beyond the bush veld are the sub-tropical regions of 
Waterberg and Zoutpansberg. The elevated portions of 
these, that is, those areas 3 OOO feet or more above sea level, 
may be termed healthy, although not so suitable for Europeans 
as the high veld of the Southern Transvaal. The soil is 
extremely fertile, and suitable for the growing of tea, coffee, 
cotton, sugar, and other tropical products. Cattle thrive on 
the uplands, but on the lowlands, except in winter, they are 
apt to die. Horse-sickness also is a great drawback. One 
party of the old Voortrekkers penetrated right through the 
country in 1840, and after terrible privations through fever 
and sickness they returned southwards through the Lyden- 
burg district. At one village, named Origstad, in a valley 
north of the town of Lydenburg, they lost nearly half of their 
number by fever. They then trekked south, and founded the 
town of Lydenburg on the healthy highlands forming the 
western slopes of the Drakensberg. 

Offshoots from this community went southwards, keeping 
on the high lands of the Drakensberg, and, leaving the valleys 
with the fever on their left, they settled in the Ermelo, 
Standerton, and Wakkerstroom districts, the country where 
the head waters of the Vaal and other rivers take their rise. 
This is one of the finest agricultural and stock-raising dis- 

1 This red loam is usually from ten to fifty feet deep. It absorbs the water 
readily and slowly gives it back to the roots of the plants. 



144 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

tricts of the Transvaal. The elevation above the sea. level is 
from 4000 to 6000 feet. Sheep do well, as also hordes and 
cattle. The farms have a prosperous air. The people are 
hardy, strong, and more active than the inhabitants of the 
lower lying districts. It would be difficult to adequately 
describe the magnificent vigour-producing climate of the 
Transvaal high veld. 

Having given this brief description of the country, and 
noted its good characteristics, a few words must be said 
about the drawbacks. 

In the high veld regions, although grain can be grown in 
large quantities, agriculture is not always successful ; wheat 
and oats are apt to suffer from rust. Locusts and hail- 
storms sometimes ruin several successive crops, so that 
farmers should have other resources besides these. 

The plague of locusts, which has been serious in South 
Africa for nearly ten years, requires energetic measures. Other 
countries have found means for coping with it. Notably in 
Cyprus and in the Argentine it has been almost completely 
stamped out. There are various methods of destroying the 
locusts : collecting the eggs ; propagating a fungus which 
kills the young grubs ; breeding a fly which deposits its eggs 
on the neck of the locust, which becomes for a time the 
living host of the resultant maggot, and dies after it has 
fattened the unwelcome visitor with its substance. The 
cheapest and best method is that of digging trenches across 
the path of a swarm when in the hopping stage, and fixing 
on the far side wall a barrier two or three feet high, slightly 
inclined over the trench. The barrier may be galvanised 
iron, calico, or any cheap and handy material. The locusts 
only seek to go forward in one direction, and when they go 
down into the trench and perhaps up the other side they 
come to the barrier and fall back ; and so they go on making 
further ineffectual attempts to proceed. As the swarm comes 
on the trench gradually gets filled, when countless millions 
may be speedily killed. The late Free State Government 
adopted the system, and supplied galvanised iron to the Boers 
for the purpose of carrying it out on the understanding that 
a combined effort should be made, and when a swarm came 



THE LAND 145 

along the Boers should at once try to destroy it ; but the 
only result was that each Boer fixed up a barrier round his 
own garden or cultivated lands, and thus saved his own crop, 
but allowed the swarms to traverse his veld unmolested. 
Regulations should be framed and made compulsory, and the 
effort to clear the country of locusts should, by arrangement 
with the other colonies, be made general over all South 
Africa. 

Maize is usually a safe crop ; it can be grown without irri- 
gation and consequently at little expense, and if the crop is 
destroyed the actual outlay lost is not so great. The farmer 
on the high veld must depend to some extent on his live stock 
to pull him through bad years. Again, in some places the 
soil although deep is poor in plant food, and after a year or 
two, if not manured, it does not yield abundantly. In these 
districts care has to be exercised in the selection of suitable 
land, of which there is no lack, but it is to a great extent held 
by the large owners, and is at present unavailable for the 
small cultivator except on very difficult and even unfair con- 
ditions — the conditions allowed the bywoner. 

Although the high veld is favourable for all kinds of stock, 
rinderpest and lung-sickness, or pleuro-pneumonia, have played 
havoc with the cattle in past years, and horse-sickness some- 
times breaks out with great virulence. This disease is peculiar 
to South Africa. It is very sudden in its development, and 
most frequently results fatally. The horse may for a day or 
two have appeared dull and heavy, and a few hours before death 
he begins to have difficulty in breathing. This is owing to 
the presence of serum in the lungs. It appears that the 
tissues are affected in such a manner that the serum escapes 
through the walls of the blood-vessels. The horse tries to 
clear his lungs, and finally dies of suffocation, after having 
blown out quantities of serum in the form of a white froth. 
Professor Wallace, in " Farming Industries of Cape Colony," 
p. 319, a book which intending agricultural settlers will find 
of the greatest value, says that the disease is due to an 
organism present in the blood of the horse. He states that 
Dr. Edington, the bacteriologist to the Cape Government, has 
pronounced the organism to be " one of the filamentous fungi 

K 



146 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

which, under suitable conditions of heat and moisture, grows 
in the veld, but whether in water, in the soil itself, or as a 
parasite, must be left for future observation to ascertain." 

On the western portion of the high veld mixed farming 
may be recommended, and good heed must be given to past 
experience. The advice of the Boers should be listened to. 
In the favoured valleys where the soil is rich there is not 
so much to fear, and these are the places which should be 
set open to enterprise. 

In the fertile middle veld, comprising the Pretoria, Rusten- 
burg, and Marico districts, the difficulties are less ; the soil being 
extremely good, the crops may be expected with confidence to 
be of abundant yield. This district is not so good, either 
for horses or cattle, on account of the endemic diseases being 
more virulent. Sheep will not thrive here. 

Farther north, in Zoutpansberg and Waterberg, while 
crops thrive on account of the fine soil, and cattle do well as 
a rule, horses may be said to thrive only in winter ; when 
summer comes, and they are not kept under cover at night, 
a large percentage of them die. The healthiest district for 
stock is undoubtedly the eastern portion of the high veld, 
Ermelo, Bethal, Standerton, and Wakkerstroom. Here sheep 
thrive splendidly, as well as cattle and horses, and it is seldom 
that there is any serious sickness. Good crops of wheat and 
barley can be secured on irrigated lands, and mealies and 
Kaffir corn, simply by ploughing the ordinary veld, are grown 
with little attendant risk. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE DISTRICTS OF THE 

TRANSVAAL 

Translated from the " Staats Almanaak" 1898. 

Pretoria. 

This district has a surface area of 6258 English square miles, and 
a population of about 41,000 white inhabitants. It is bounded by 
the districts Heidelberg, Potchefstroom, Krugersdorp, Rustenburg, 
Waterberg, and Middelburg. South of this district are found the 
world-famed Witwatersrand diggings. 

The agricultural produce is mostly forage, but wheat and mealies 



THE LAND 147 

are also grown. In the last year the crops were exceptionally good. 
Gardening, it is noticeable, is going steadily forward. More atten- 
tion is being paid to cattle-breeding than before, though the stock 
was greatly put back by the rinderpest. Notwithstanding that much 
attention and trouble was given to this deadly sickness many farmers 
were ruined. 

The ground of this district contains gold besides other minerals, 
amongst which silver is first. 

The chief town of the district and the seat of Government is 
Pretoria, lying in a valley along the Aapies River, a branch of the 
Pienaars River ; the latter falls into the Crocodile River. Pretoria is 
to a great extent surrounded by hills, whereon, during the last years, 
several forts were built— two to the south, one to the north, and 
one to the west of Pretoria. 

The district is divided into six wards. The territory is part 
bush veld and part high veld. The bush veld is used as a winter 
pasturage for cattle, and is excellently adapted for the sowing of 
grain and the planting of fruit trees. The high veld is also suit- 
able for the sowing of grain and for cattle-raising. It stretches to 
the boundaries of Middelburg, Standerton, Heidelberg, and Krugers- 
dorp. The territory is a generally suitable one for fruit-growing, 
and there is an abundance of water. Much wood is hewn here, but 
very little planting is done to replace that taken away. The town, 
Pretoria, lies favourably and is surrounded on all sides by water. 
On the west side of the town and around the racecourse burgher- 
right erven * are measured off. 

POTCHEFSTROOM. 

The district of Potchefstroom is bounded on the north by the 
districts of Krugersdorp and Pretoria, on the east by Heidelberg, 
on the south by the Vaal River, and on the west by Wolmarans- 
stad and Lichtenburg. It has a population of about 25,000, and 
a surface of 5889 square miles. Gold, iron, diamonds, asbestos, 
copper, and lime are found here. The reefs run from Johannesburg 
right through the whole district, including Klerksdorp to the Vaal 
River, and also from Heidelberg including Venterskroon. This 
district is exceedingly well suited for agriculture and gardening. 
On one property here are the great grottos or underground cellars, 
which are well worth seeing ; the chief one, the " Wonderfontein," 
is very famous. Potchefstroom, the largest town in the district, and 
the capital of the Z.A.R., lies on the Mooi River, and has a popula- 
tion of about 5000. 



1 Erven = town sites. 



148 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



RUSTENBURG. 

The district Rustenburg lies in from the 24th to the 27th degree 
of lat. and 27th to 28th degree of long., and is bounded on the 
north by the Marico and Crocodile Rivers and the district Water- 
berg, on the east by the districts Waterberg and Pretoria, on the 
south by the district Krugersdorp, and on the west by the district 
Marico. Its area is about 10,665 square miles (English), and it has 
a population of about 11,000 whites and 25,000 natives. Gold, 
silver, copper, lead, and iron are found ; and this rich territory 
contains still other minerals. In the sphere of agriculture the 
district of Rustenburg is the most important and, in every respect, 
the granary of the Republic. Not only are all kinds of grain sown, 
but tropical plants grow magnificently there. The Magaliesberg 
tobacco is famous and well known over all South Africa. Rusten- 
burg awaits the brightest of futures. Rinderpest, however, has done 
great damage to stock, thousands of animals having died. It is hoped 
that the railway will meet the agriculturists half-way. The town 
of Rustenburg lies to the north-east of the Magaliesberg, and is 
still the only town in the district. It has about 7000 inhabitants. 

Lydenburg. 

The district of Lydenburg lies to the north-east of the Z.A.R., 
and is bounded on the north by the district Zoutpansberg, on the 
east by the Portuguese territory Delagoa Bay, the natural boundary 
of the Lebombo Mountains, on the south by Swaziland and the 
district Carolina, and on the west by the district of Middelburg. 
The size of this district is estimated at 12,000 English square miles, 
while the total white population is about 3000 persons. In the 
eastern portion, as also in the neighbourhood of the town Lyden- 
burg, and to the north and north-east of the town, gold is found. 
Lately the diggings of Lydenburg have gone up in importance. 
De Kaap, Komati, and Pilgrim's Rest diggings lie in this district. 
In the south-east coal is found, and in the south-west quicksilver. 
The south-west portion is highland, and especially adapted for 
cattle-breeding and sheep-rearing. The middle portion principally 
consists of " banks " or so-called broken ground. Here all sorts of 
grain are sown. The north and east belong to the low country 
and are especially adapted for the laying-out of plantations for 
tropical plants. The chief products won up to now are wheat, forage, 
barley, mealies, Kaffir corn, and tobacco ; fruit, as peaches, apricots, 
figs, apples, pears, oranges, lemons, &c, are also grown here in 
abundance. The town Lydenburg is situated along the Drakens- 
bergen, and eight hours on horseback from the nearest railway 
station at Machadodorp. When the town gets connected by 
railway there will be every opportunity of progress in developing 



THE LAND 149 

the gold mines. The town has an abundant supply of water, and 
is prettily planted with trees. The streets are also now being, better 
attended to. Lydenburg is a grain district, and is capable of supplying 
greater part of the land with grain if the drought and the locusts do not 
destroy the harvests. Cattle-breeding does not answer here. The 
rinderpest has done great damage, but it is hoped by inoculation to 
incur less loss. Lydenburg is one of the districts blessed with water. 
The greatest question is the labour supply. Lydenburg is most 
healthy and the climate very mild. Lydenburg, the chief town, has 
a population of about 800. 

MlDDELBURG. 

The district Middelburg is bounded on the north by the district 
Lydenburg, on the east by the districts Lydenburg, Ermelo, and 
Carolina, on the south by Ermelo, Standerton, and Heidelberg, and 
on the west by Pretoria and Waterberg. The extent of the district 
is about 6066 English square miles, and it has a population of 
about 10,000 whites. The district is divided into high veld, rocky 
country, and bush veld. The high veld or south portion is very 
suitable for cattle-breeding ; it is very rich in coal, and partially suit- 
able for agriculture. The coal industry has progressed exceedingly ; 
the coal found here is of the best. The " bankenveld " ] is specially 
adapted for agriculture. Wood and water are found here in plenty. 
The district is, however, less suitable for cattle-raising. The bush 
veld, also styled the lowland, is rich in minerals, amongst others, 
gold and silver: it is very suitable for agriculture, and during the 
winter months also good for cattle-breeding. Corn, mealies, Kaffir 
com, oats, and manna are extensively won, while all kinds of green 
crops and fruits thrive well in the warm districts. Middelburg, the 
chief town, is situated on the Klein Olifants River, on the high 
road from Pretoria to Barberton, and from Natal to Pietersburg. 
The town lies high, is very healthy, is well supplied with water, 
and has about 1500 white inhabitants. 

Waterberg. 

The district Waterberg is bounded by the Crocodile River, and 
by the districts Pretoria, Rustenburg, and Zoutpansberg. The dis- 
trict is about 3000 farms in extent, each farm being about 3000 
morgen, with a white population of about 5000. The farm Welge- 
vonden was proclaimed in 1893. Diamonds were also sought for 
in the neighbourhood of the Warm Baths, and promising indications 
were found. In 1896 the district was severely ravaged by the 
rinderpest, drought, locusts, and fever. The minerals found here 
are gold, silver, lead, and quicksilver. The district is specially suit- 
able for cattle-breeding and gardening, the latter especially, and 

1 Bankenveld — broken country. 



150 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

promises much for the future. Products won are : corn, mealies, 
forage, barley, rye, manna, and tobacco. A trial planting of coffee 
has taken place at Piet Potgietersrust. The town Nylstroom, the 
chief town of the district, has a population of about fifty families ; 
there is a Landdrost office, telegraph office, prison, and powder- 
magazine. 

ZOUTPANSEERG. 

The district Zoutpansberg is bounded on the west by Waterberg, 
on the south by Lydenburg, on the east by Mozambique, and on 
the north by the Crocodile and Limpopo Rivers. It is the north- 
east boundary district of the Z.A.R., and is the largest. It has a 
surface of about 36,000 square miles, and has a white population of 
8700. The middle and highlands of this district are well adapted 
for cattle-breeding and agriculture. In the north, in ward Spelonken, 
coffee,, sugar, and rice are grown. Tropical plants are planted, for 
which the climate is very favourable. On the Houtboschberg, and 
in the north portion of the Spelonken, are extensive wood bush of 
great value. There grow yellowwood, whitepear, mahogany, turpen- 
tine, and several other kinds of trees. In the south portion of Zout- 
pansberg are found the saltpans from which thousands of bags of 
good and useful salt are obtained every year. The district is very 
rich in minerals ; those found principally are gold, silver, iron, 
cinnabar, galena, pyrites, tourmaline, and graphite. Diamonds are 
also found. The proclaimed fields now being worked are the 
Marabastad, Houtboschberg, Selati, and Klein Letaba diggings. 
Pietersburg, the chief town of the district Zoutpansberg, is a 
blossoming town of about 2000 inhabitants. 

Heidelberg. 

The district Heidelberg is bounded on the south by the Vaal 
River, on the west by the district Potchefstroom, on the north by 
Pretoria, Krugersdorp, and Middelburg, and on the east by the 
district Standerton. It is about 2970 square miles in extent, and 
has a population of about 74,000 whites. The principal products are 
grain and vegetables, as also all kinds of fruit. Gold and coal are 
found here in great quantities. Several companies have been formed 
to exploit the gold and coalfields. For agriculture and cattle- 
breeding the district is very suitable, although more shelter should 
be given to the cattle during the many rains in the summer and 
the cold winds in the winter. Heidelberg, the chief town of the 
district, lying on the Blesbokspruit, has a population of about 1000. 

Wakkerstroom. 

The district Wakkerstroom derives its name from a river named 
the " De Tak River," which runs through the chief town and delivers 
itself into the BufTels River. Besides the chief town, named Marthinus 



THE LAND 151 

Wesselstroom, named after President Pretorius, the towns of Volks- 
rust and Amersfoort both lie in the district. In 1853-54 the Voor- 
trekkers selected this district to settle in. They settled in the 
beginning near where Volksrust now stands. The place goes by the 
name of Verzamelbergen ; the whole district used to go by that 
name once. The Voortrekkers selected one Jan v. der Schiff as their 
head for the year. On the 6th of November 1850 the district was, 
with its chief town, proclaimed by the Government of the Z.A.R. 
The district was then very extensive. At present the district is 
bounded on the north by the district Ermelo, on the east by the 
district of Utrecht, to the south by the districts Utrecht, Natal, and 
Orange Free State, and on the west by Standerton. The greatest 
portion is between 4000 and 6300 feet above the level of the sea, 
and has a white population of about 12,000. The climate of Wak- 
kerstroom is very healthy. The district is a very favourable one for 
horse and cattle breeding, and for the purposes of agriculture the 
ground is very suitable. All kinds of products are won here. It is 
to be regretted that so few of the inhabitants endeavour to forward 
agriculture. In minerals, especially coal, Wakkerstroom is un- 
doubtedly rich. Petroleum is found in the pits of the mountain- 
side at M. W. Stroom. The chief town, M. W. Stroom, lies on the 
Drakensberg, 6300 feet above the level of the sea. The town is 
very clean and lies surrounded by great mountain ranges, and has a 
surface of 9948 morgen. 

Utrecht. 

The district Utrecht is bounded on the north by the district 
Wakkerstroom and Piet Retief, on the east by the district Vryheid, 
on the south by the colony of Natal. It is about 260 farms in size, 
with a population of about 2850 persons. The portion lying under 
the Belelasberg and bounded by the Buffels River, the boundary line 
between the Z.A.R. and Natal, is low or winter veld and more or 
less flat. A great portion of the district, which lies on the Belelas 
and other mountains, is summer or high veld. A third of the district 
can be named bush veld, especially the Pongola Bush, out of which, 
in early days, much wood was cut for building purposes j it is still 
carried on, on a small scale. The greatest portion of the district is 
mountainous. The ground now comprising Utrecht was exchanged 
by the Boers in the early years from the then reigning Kaffir king, 
Panda, and was for a time an independent state. Vechtkop, lying 
in the most southern corner of the district, on the Blood River, is 
famous in the history of the Z.A.R. as the place where the Zulu 
power under Dingaan was broken by the Voortrekkers under General 
Pretorius. After occupation of the district the Zulus caused much 
trouble, whereby farming was greatly hindered, until in 1878, when, 
as a nation, they were brought under foot. Coal is found at 
different places and in good quantities, and is declared by experts 
to be better than that in Natal. For agriculture the district is not so 



152 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

suitable, on account of the scarcity of water on some farms ; the pro- 
ducts grown are corn, oats, mealies, and tobacco. The ground is fairly 
suitable for cultivating fruit, which could be much improved. For 
cattle-breeding the district is exceptionally well adapted, and a great 
trade is done here in wool, hides, and slaughter cattle, while butter 
is made in large quantities and sold. The town Utrecht, the largest 
town in the district, lies under the Belelasberg, and has about 500 
inhabitants. 

Marico. 

The district of Marico, lying in the north-west of the Z.A.R., 
has a white population of about 6500, and is about 3083 English 
square miles in extent. The district contains gold, silver, 
copper, lead, cinnabar, zinc, coal, saltpetre, and sulphur. The 
whole district is very suitable for agriculture, while the ward 
Bushveld is very good for cattle-breeding. The products won till 
now are corn, oats, barley, mealies, and potatoes, and nearly every 
kind of fruit and vegetable. If the Marico district is properly 
worked it will be undoubtedly the richest in the Transvaal, because 
splendid fields for sowing and grazing are met with, and an 
abundance of water. Zeerust, the chief town of the district, lies 
about 150 miles from Pretoria, and 36 from Mafeking, and has a 
white population of about 800. 

LlCHTENBURG. 

The district Lichtenburg is bounded on the north by the dis- 
trict Marico, and on the south by the districts Potchefstroom and 
Bloemhof, on the east by the district of Potchefstroom, and on the west 
by British Bechuanaland. The district is about 1,500,000 morgen 1 
in extent, and has a white population of about 6500. Gold 
quartz is found here with 5 J oz. to over 6 oz. per ton. Also lead 
and saltpetre. Much ground has not yet been prospected, and 
farms are eagerly bought up in this district. With regard to agricul- 
ture and cattle-raising the district awaits a clear future. Corn, 
oats, barley, Kaffir corn, mealies, manna, potatoes, tobacco, and 
vegetables of every sort are grown with good results, on account of 
the ground being suitable. Cattle and sheep do well. Lichten- 
burg is the chief town in the district, and lies on the northern portion 
thereof, at the source of Harts River ; it has an abundance of water, 
is one of the healthiest towns in the Republic, and has a population 
of about 700. 

Bloemhof. 

The district Bloemhof is one of the oldest districts in the 
Z.A.R. It is bounded on the south-west by Griqualand West, 
on the east by the district of Wolmaransstad, on the north-east 

1 Morgen = 2. 1 1 2 acres. 



THE LAND 153 

by Lichtenburg, and on the south by the Vaal River and Orange 
Free State. From the west to the north-east the length is 72 
miles, and from the east to the north-west about 90 miles. The 
white population totals about 3600. The surface is about 3081 
English square miles in extent. On account of the scarcity of water 
very little has been done towards cattle-breeding and agriculture. 
Since the rinderpest made its appearance, the inhabitants do more 
cultivating than hitherto, and therefore there are welcome signs of 
progress. In the diamond fields near Christiana progress is also 
noticeable. The reason that the inhabitants have come to the con- 
clusion that there are payable metals and minerals to be found in the 
district, is that different big companies, like the De Beers Company 
and Oceana, have bought up several farms ; but so far no definite 
proofs have been shown. The principal towns that lie in the dis- 
trict Bloemhof are: — 1. Christiana, the chief town of the district, 
lies on the Vaal River, near the Orange Free State, Griqualand 
West, and British Bechuanaland. It is a beautiful town, well 
provided with water, and used to be the principal import centre 
of the State. The inhabitants go in specially for agriculture, 
and in a few years the town will be one of the prettiest in 
the Z.A.R. Railway connection is the greatest want that the 
burghers and inhabitants feel. Christiana consists of 7043 morgen 
and 328 square roods, and has about 500 inhabitants. The prin- 
cipal buildings are the Government building, in which are the 
Landdrost, post, telegraph, and customs offices, a prison, barracks 
for mounted and foot police, and Dutch and English churches. 2. 
Bloemhof, in extent about 5000 morgen, lies on the confluence of 
the Vaal and Vet Rivers, near to Hoopstad, Orange Free State, 
about thirty miles north of Christiana ; it has about 60 inhabitants, 
and will also become a pretty village. 



Standerton. 

The district Standerton, named after its chief town, takes its 
name from the first settler, Adriaan Stander, who still lives, like a 
patriarch, among his family there. 

The district lies in the 26 50' of lat. and 30 of long., 
on the so-called high veld, and is bounded on the north by 
the district Middelburg, on the east by the districts Ermelo 
and Wakkerstroom, on the west by the district Heidelberg, and 
on the south by the Vaal River and Natal. The district Stander- 
ton is about 742,000 morgen in extent, with a white population of 
about 4000 men and 3750 women, while the native population is 
estimated at 1500 men and 1300 women. Besides the Vaal River, 
which has its source in the neighbourhood of Ermelo, and which 
passes Standerton, the district has also the following streams : — 
Blesbokspruit, which runs about eight miles north-east of Bethal, 
and falls into the Vaal River about two hours from the town of 



154 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Standerton ; Waterval River has its source on the boundary line 
between Standerton, Heidelberg, and Middelburg, and runs near 
Villier's Drift into the Vaal ; Boesmansspruit rises two hours to 
the north of the town Standerton, and runs near the Roodekoppen 
into Waterval River. 

The high veld, and it can also be said the whole district, contains 
coal, and on many farms on the Vaal River unmistakable visible 
signs are to be found. It is undoubted that when time and con- 
ditions allow any good organised attempt to be made to bring this 
fuel profitably to the surface, it will be crowned with success. 
Lately also indications of gold have been found. Agriculture 
and cattle-breeding are carried on with success in this district ; the 
principal products are oats, mealies, and manna. The town of 
Standerton, lying on the Vaal River, is about 96 miles from Johan- 
nesburg, 50 miles from the Natal border, and 18 miles from that of 
the Orange Free State. It is the chief town of the district, with a 
population of about 500. 

Ermelo. 

The district Ermelo is bounded on the north by the district 
Carolina, on the west by the district Standerton, on the south by 
the districts Wakkerstroom and Piet Retief, and on the east by 
Swaziland. The district is about 1,087,500 morgen in extent, with 
a population of about 4500. Coal is found here in large quantities ; 
gold and sulphur have also been discovered. The district is well 
adapted for agriculture, though cattle-breeding has taken more or 
less the upper hand. The chief products won are : grain, mealies, 
and potatoes. The town of Ermelo has about 1500 white inhabi- 
tants, Landdrost, post and telegraph offices, seven shops, and the 
church building of the Dutch Reformed minister. 



Piet Retief. 

The district Piet Retief is bounded on the north by the district 
Ermelo, on the west by the district Wakkerstroom, on the south by 
the districts Utrecht and Vryheid, and on the east by Swaziland. 
The district is about 300,000 morgen in extent, and has a population 
of about 1600. Lately on several farms gold-bearing quartz has been 
discovered, though not yet in payable quantities. For tree planting 
the district is exceptionally suitable, and plantations can be laid out 
at small cost. For agriculture the district is less suitable, and little 
mealies and potatoes are grown. Corn is usually killed by the frost. 
During certain periods of the year the district is suitable for large 
and small stock. By drought and rinderpest many sheep and cattle 
were lost. Horse-sickness seldom occurs here. The town Piet 
Retief has a population of about 100. 



THE LAND 155 



Vryheid. 



The district Vryheid is bounded on the east and south, and for 
the greater part on the west, by Zululand, and a portion of the west 
and whole of the north by the districts Utrecht and Piet Retief. 
The district is about 1,200,000 morgen in extent, comprising 1100 
farms, with a white population of about 5200. Coal is found here in 
abundance, and of very good quality, while gold, silver, iron, copper, 
and asbestos have been discovered on several farms, and the gold 
mines are already being exploited. Especially in the latter half of 
1895 representatives of big syndicates of Europe, Johannesburg, 
and elsewhere went through the country and bought and secured 
farms. The greatest portion of the district is adapted for agriculture 
and cattle-breeding. The chief articles of trade are : wool, hides, 
grain, waggon and carpenter's wood, and coal. The town Vryheid, 
the only town in the district with a white population, is about six 
hours from Utrecht and seven hours from Dundee in Natal, the 
nearest railway station. The district is very mountainous and rich 
in water. The portion near the Lebombo Mountains in the low 
veld is where the Boers trek with their cattle. Big game is plenti- 
ful — Koedoe, Rooi buck, Water buck, Riet buck, and Blauwwilde- 
beeste. 

Carolina. 

The district Carolina in the east of the Z.A.R. is bounded on the 
north by the district Lydenburg, on the east by Swaziland, on the 
south by the district Ermelo, and on the west by the district Mid- 
delburg. The extent of the district is about 1,000,000 morgen, 
while the white population totals 3700. In the north portion in 
the neighbourhood of the town gold is found. Coal is found oyer 
nearly the whole district; tin also, both alluvial and reef, exists 
in the north-east portion. The western portion is high veld, and 
very suitable for large and small stock and horses. Horse-sickness 
occurs here very seldom. The north-eastern is low veld, and very 
suitable for tropical plants and fruits ; the laying out of plantations 
has begun here. The chief products won are : wheat, oats, barley, 
mealies, rye, Kaffir corn, and tobacco ; fruit such as peaches, apri- 
cots, lemons, figs, nuts, apples, pears, plums, grapes, &c, are grown 
in large quantities. Carolina, the chief town, has a population of 
about 260. 

Krugersdorp. 

This district, proclaimed in the Staats Couratit of 7th November 
1894, comprises about 350 Boer farms, and has a population of 
about 20,000. It is formed out of a portion of the districts Pre- 
toria, Potchefstroom, Rustenburg, and Heidelberg. The district 
is divided into three wards, Ward No. 1 comprising the pro- 



156 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

claimed ground, and Wards Nos. 2 and 3 all the unproclaimed 
ground. By a resolution of Volksraad, Art. 119, dated 26th April 
1887, the Government decided to buy a portion of Paardekraal, and 
thereon a township was laid out and named Krugersdorp, which 
has in a short time noticeably extended itself. It used to belong to 
the Witwatersrand diggings. Krugersdorp was proclaimed on the 
1st November 1888 a separate diggings, and under its jurisdic- 
tion are also the diggings known as Florida, Doornkop, and Blauw- 
bank. Krugersdorp is the chief town of the district, and lies 
thirty-five miles from Pretoria and eighteen miles from Johannes- 
burg. 

WOLMARANSSTAD. 

The district Wolmaransstad was declared a separate district on 
15th January 1896, and is composed of what was once the ward 
Makwassie — a portion of the district of Potchefstroom, a portion of 
Bloemhof, and a portion of Lichtenburg. It is situated in the south- 
west of the Z.A.R., and is bounded on the north by Lichtenburg, on 
the west by Bloemhof, on the east by Potchefstroom, and on the south 
by the Vaal River, which separates it from the Orange Free State. 
The town Wolmaransstad lies almost in the centre along the Mak- 
wassiespruit. The erection of a dam to supply the town with water 
is proceeding. About nine miles from the dorp 1 the farm Witpoort 
is situated, which is also laid out in erven, and where about 
twenty families are living. The district is not rich in water. The 
means of livelihood are agriculture and cattle-breeding. The cattle of 
Makwassie are reckoned as the best in the Transvaal. Sheep and 
goats answer well. The district suffered heavily through the rinder- 
pest, and lost 31,000 cattle, while, by the help of Dr. Koch's method, 
10,000 cattle remained. Products won are corn, oats, barley, 
mealies, and Kaffir corn, while all fruits grow very well, especially 
grapes. Gold has been found on several farms. 

These descriptions of the various districts of the Transvaal, 
written by the Boer officials themselves, supply many interest- 
ing details, and some of them contain their own commentary 
on the backward state of agriculture, as, for instance, the 
remark about Wakkerstroom : " It is to be regretted that so 
few of the inhabitants endeavour to forward agriculture." 

In Appendix G. will be found an abstract from a report 
made by Mr. D. M. Wilson to President Kruger in 1897 on 
" Agricultural and Mineral Possibilities in Certain Districts of 
the Transvaal, and particularly of the Unoccupied Govern- 
ment Lands." There are many interesting comments in 
this report on the ways of the Boers and their condition 

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denotes gold 






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MARjco^ wh <«< prl "' JL Pretoria 






ORANGE RIVER COLONY 



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MAP OF THE TRANSVAAL 






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THE LAND 157 

as an agricultural community. He remarks about Roos 
Senekal : — 

"Although this district is wonderfully fertile, I found the in- 
habitants more poverty-stricken than any I have met in the Transvaal. 
They mainly consist of Arme Boeren, 1 who, instead of benefiting by 
their being placed in a position to improve their condition, have 
deteriorated, and live in a condition of squalid misery and poverty. 
Their only excuse is that they are far from any market and the 
roads are very bad. Until the railway reaches them their condition 
is not likely to improve. Nearly all the land in the district is 
Government land, and affords room for thousands of poor farmers ; 
but to place them here on the old system would result in making 
their condition even worse than at present. No notice should be 
taken of the complaints from this district. The people are lazy 
and expect the Government to maintain them." 

Mr. Wilson was not afraid to speak openly to the late 
autocrat of the Transvaal ; his report is well worth reading, 
as it gives particulars of the capabilities of the various 
districts visited, and the opportunities offered for settlement 
on the Government lands in each locality. 



Live Stock. 

It now follows to give some detailed information about 
the various branches of the land industry, and a beginning 
ma}'' be made with live stock, of which horses can be taken 
first. 

Horses. 

The horse most in evidence is the Cape horse, and he 
suits the requirements of the country admirably. He is 
hardy in constitution and able to do long journeys with little 
food and less attention. The Boer uses his horse for riding 
and driving the long distances to and from town and to and 
from his neighbours' farms, and seldom for any other pur- 
pose. During the war the Cape horse has shown evidence 
of his usefulness and endurance. 

In the towns a higher class horse is used, and some of 
the more advanced farmers have done well by breeding im- 

1 Arme Boeren = poor Boers. 



158 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

proved stock from imported stallions. They have been 
assisted in this by the richer Rand men, who have established 
racing studs and generally encouraged the improvement of 
the horses of the country. The price of a good country bred 
horse in the Transvaal is from £15 to £25, while for a first- 
class pair of carriage horses of superior breed, from 60 
to 200 guineas may be obtained, according to style and 
quality. 

Mule breeding is another profitable branch of stock 
raising. Mules are always in demand, and a good pair of 
mules will command from £35 to £50 at most times on the 
Rand. All the southern parts of the Transvaal are suitable 
for horses and mules if reasonable care is taken. Even horse- 
sickness is not so prevalent, and with precautionary measures 
taken by way of giving preventatives and keeping under 
cover at night during the latter part of the summer only a 
very small percentage of loss will occur. In the bush veld 
and the low country it is still hazardous to keep many 
horses. The number of horses in the Transvaal in ordinary 
times may be estimated at 200,000, but the War has pro- 
bably accounted for more than half, and it is even doubtful 
whether there are now 50,000 in the country — outside the 
army. 

The following observations apply to both the Transvaal and 
Orange River colonies. 

The unavoidable action of the Commander-in-Chief, 
which has caused the removal of all horses, rideable 
or untrained, from the farms on which they have been 
reared, will cause much difficulty when the time comes for 
re-stocking. On the whole it may be looked upon as a 
blessing rather than otherwise. The farmer will be able 
to start with well-chosen, select mares, and Government 
aid should be given by the importation of thoroughbred 
horses which can stand in the best districts of the Trans- 
vaal. 

Suitable stallions can be secured at cheap rates in the 
English markets, and the cost of importation and upkeep of 
the stud should not be extravagant. 

Ten thoroughbred horses with plenty of bone and sub- 



THE LAND 159 

stance could be bought and landed in Africa for a matter of 
^3000, and the cost of maintenance would not be more than 
;£i6oo per annum, calculated as follows: — Stud groom, 
£300 ; ten native grooms at £3 per month each, say, £360 ; 
food, ^840; contingencies, ;£ioo; total, £1,600. 

The Hackney, Cleveland, and kindred breeds have been 
tried in the Cape Colony and have been generally voted a 
failure, whereas the thoroughbred horse is answerable for 
the game, clean-made cobs which have been so successful 
during the War. 

The Government will be well advised to keep as many 
Walers and English mares as can possibly be spared from 
the remount depots for sale on advantageous terms to 
farmers or settlers. 

No farmer or settler should be allowed to buy more than 
he can show his ability to feed, as imported horses cannot 
exist on the veld without the aid of artificial feeding. A farmer 
should, however, be able to feed two or three good mares, 
and their progeny would gradually be hardened and thrive 
on the veld. The outlay of £3000 and upkeep for, say, 
five years would cost £10, 5 00, and if the results proved 
encouraging the scheme could be expanded. The option 
should be given to farmers to buy stallions from the Govern- 
ment at cost price plus expenses, and, to insure quality, a 
known good judge should be selected for their purchase in 
the home market. 

The small African mule, which is as tough as whipcord, 
is the produce of mares of a poor class and of inferior 
donkeys. A better class can easily be obtained by selecting 
mares and importing jackasses ; but this class of farming 
can be carried on best by the wealthier farmer, who does 
not require to rely on a yearly increase in his troop of 
mares. 

Cattle. 

Cattle constitute the greater part of the realisable wealth 
of the Transvaal Boer and of the Transvaal Kaffir. 

The greater portion of the cattle are either of the Afri- 
kander breed or crosses from Friesland or shorthorn bulls. 



160 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

The Afrikander cattle are believed to be descendants of 
the indigenous cattle of the country owned by the Hottentots 
and Kaffirs before the Portuguese came to the Cape. 

These were doubtless crossed by imported cattle from 
time to time, but the Afrikander ox of to-day may be said 
to be a true native of the country. He is a valuable draught 
animal, and can live and keep in condition when heavier and 
more tender animals would die. The cross-bred cattle are 
better for slaughter purposes, but are not so hardy. For 
dairy purposes the farmers near the towns keep Friesland 
and Shorthorn and sometimes Kerry cows. A prime fat ox 
in ordinary times is worth from £g to £14., and a good trek 
ox about the same. A Kerry cow in full milk giving twenty- 
five bottles or more a day is worth from ,£30 to £$$. Cattle 
thrive well in most parts of the Transvaal, but especially on 
the high veld. The Boers drive them to the low veld as a 
rule only in winter. 

The dairying industry is capable of great enlargement. 
Milk brings 4d. to 6d. a bottle. Good butter ranges from 
is. 9d. to 2s. 6d. per lb. in Johannesburg. Local made 
cheese is almost unknown. Near the large towns properly 
equipped dairies would find a profitable and abundant demand 
for their produce. So far the Rand is supplied with butter 
from the Cape Colony and Australia. The number of cattle 
in the Transvaal three years before the War may be esti- 
mated to have been over a million. Rinderpest, lung-sick- 
ness, and the War have destroyed by far the greater part, 
and it is doubtful whether there are now 200,000 head. 

The following observations apply both to the Transvaal and 
the Orange River colonies. 

The waste caused by lung-sickness and over-driving 
during the War cannot fall short of 100,000 oxen, and at 
a low estimate some 200,000 head of breeding cattle and 
calves have been killed for meat. This waste was for the 
most part unavoidable. Perhaps more cars for frozen meat 
might have been provided. Lung-sickness and red-water 
have carried off probably another 100,000. A prominent 
Boer near Pretoria had 140 head of breeding cattle at the 
beginning of the War ; now he has only forty. These 



THE LAND 161 

figures present an alarming outlook, coming as they do on 
the top of the ravages of rinderpest, and it must not be 
forgotten that the animals thus destroyed were mostly accli- 
matised. 

How to make this good is a serious problem and one 
which requires immediate attention. Arrangements should 
be made for shipments of two-year-old heifers from Australia 
for sale to Boers and settlers at cost price and on the best 
possible terms. 

A really good class of heifer can be landed at Cape Town 
at £io, and Cape Town should be the landing port. At Port 
Elizabeth, East London, and Durban red-water x is so bad 
that it is impossible to keep cattle uninfected while trucks 
are being provided. The Rt. Hon. C. J. Rhodes quite lately 
brought iooo head of cattle from Australia, more than half 
of which died at Beira from red-water, but Mr. Rhodes is a 
hard man to beat, and breeding cattle are wanted in Rhodesia, 
so he has ordered more. The new Government similarly 
must not be discouraged if difficulties appear. 

Care should be taken by the Government to retain as 
many of the loot cattle as possible for issue to Boers and 
settlers on peace being declared. Lord Kitchener has already 
promised something to this effect. 

As soon as possible the slaughter of breeding cattle should 
be put a stop to and more adequate arrangements entered 
upon for forwarding larger supplies of frozen meat. 2 

By the importation of Australian heifers and English and 
Friesland bulls a really fine class of cattle can be obtained. 
Afrikander cattle must at the same time be preserved to the 
greatest extent possible, because as trek oxen there are none 
better, and without a span of trekkers no farm in South Africa 
can be properly worked. 

1 Professor Wallace, "Farming Industries of Cape Colony," p. 293, says: 
" Red-water in cattle, as it is understood in Cape Colony, is not the non-contagious 
derangement known by the name in Great Britain, but is identical with the highly 
communicable disease called 'Texas fever 5 in the United States of America. 
Dr. Hutcheon describes it as ' A specific infective fever characterised by great 
nervous prostration, congestion, and loss of function of the digestive organs and 
disintegration of the blood, with the rapid escape of some of its constituents by 
the kidneys, the urine having a colour like sherry, or even dark claret at times.' " 

2 Unfortunately there seems evidence of a renewed tendency of late to cut 
down the supplies of frozen meat. 

L 



162 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Sheep and Goats. 

Sheep only thrive on the high veld, and that best in the 
south-eastern and south-western districts. In the other 
parts of the country the grass is too long and rank, and the 
animals sicken and die. The prosperity of the Ermelo, 
Standerton, and Wakkerstroom Boers is greatly due to 
sheep-farming, and this applies as well to the districts of 
Wolmaranstad and Bloemhof. Both Afrikander and Merino 
sheep are bred, and when in good condition bring good 
prices, from 20s. to 25 s. being the ruling rate. Wool is 
worth about 4d. per lb., and a fair clip in the Ermelo dis- 
trict averages 4J lbs. per sheep. 

Goats are not numerous in the Transvaal ; a few of the 
large native Afrikander goats are kept to act as leaders for 
the flocks of sheep. The meat is sold as mutton, and a 
good-sized fat goat is worth about 20s. The number of 
sheep and goats in the Transvaal before the War may be 
estimated at 1,500,000; probably three-quarters have been 
killed or have died during the War. The problem of re- 
stocking sheep and goats is also an urgent one. 

Poultry. 

As an addition to dairy farming the keeping of poultry 
is extremely profitable. Fresh eggs are never obtainable 
at less than is. 6d. per dozen on the Rand, and the price is 
often as high as 2s. 6d. or 3s. Fowls are worth 2s. to 
2s. 6d. ; turkeys, 7s. 6d. to 15s. 

Pigs. 

Pigs are outcasts in the Transvaal, and are allowed to 
run about in a semi-wild state. The ordinary country pig 
is a lanky, half-starved-looking animal, with a shape ap- 
proximating to that of a greyhound. The Boer neither 
knows how to feed his pig nor how to turn him into good 
bacon, consequently most of the bacon and ham used in the 
country is imported. 



THE LAND 163 

Agriculture. 

Cereals. 

Wheat is largely grown, especially in the favoured 
Rustenburg-Marico country, and along the Schoonspruit 
and Mooi Rivers. The yield varies from twenty to forty 
fold. The Boers of the Transvaal, as a rule, grow no more 
than suffices for their own consumption. The price of 
wheat is above 8s. a bushel, and the bulk of the wheat and 
flour used is brought from America and Australia. 

Oats are mostly reaped as oat-hay, and used as forage 
for horses. Oat-hay is one of the most extensive crops. 
The price per hundred bundles varies from 20s. to 30s. or 
40s. Wherever irrigation is possible oat-hay can be grown 
either on the high or low veld. 

Barley is not much grown, and is usually cut as green 
forage for horses and cows. A little encouragement has 
been given to farmers to cultivate barley by the policy of 
the Hatherley Distillery Co. in supplying the seed and 
buying the crops. 

Mealies, or maize, is undoubtedly the greatest cereal 
crop in the Transvaal. The natives grow immense quanti- 
ties for their consumption and for sale to the mines to feed 
their brothers at work there. The crop is grown all over 
the country, and gives a yield of about sixteen to one. The 
largest quantities are grown in the Northern Transvaal, but 
owing to expense and lack of transport the native growers 
have not had great benefit. The Pretoria-Pietersburg 
railway was beginning to remedy this when war broke 
out. The Transvaal could easily become a maize-exporting 
country, and yet for some years foreign supplies have had 
to be obtained for the mines. Some enterprising German 
farmers make the green stalks of mealies into ensilage, 
which has been found to be excellent for fattening cattle. 

Kaffir corn grows in equal abundance to mealies. It is 
used by the Kaffirs as one of their principal foods when in 
their own kraals. Immense quantities are grown. The 



164 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

plant grows luxuriantly and gracefully to a height of six or 
seven feet. A field of Kaffir corn in full bloom is a beautiful 
sight. The natives make their Kaffir beer from this grain. 

The Imperial Transport service has been using a number 
of traction engines during the War. When peace comes 
these could be usefully employed by being hired out to 
settlers for ploughing. There will be a great scarcity of 
trek oxen for this purpose, and these engines would go a 
long way towards supplying the deficiency. 

Market-Gardening. 

Green Crops. — All the ordinary green crops grow well in the 
Transvaal. Potatoes, turnips, beet, and other roots are largely 
cultivated, and bring good prices. There is always a scarcity 
of potatoes, the price seldom falling below 15 s. a bag, very 
often it ranges between 30s. and 40s., or even more. Cab- 
bages, beans, peas, and other vegetables are also largely 
grown near the towns. Market-gardening is very profitable, 
and is mostly carried on by the more industrious Boers and 
Italians and Indians, who speedily amass small fortunes 
from comparatively small pieces of ground. Other Europeans 
than Italians appear not to have the necessary love of actual 
work on the land which is necessary for successful gardening. 

Fruit. — The most plentiful fruit is the yellow Transvaal 
peach. This is a peach tough in the flesh and of a deep amber 
colour. It grows everywhere in the country, both in gardens 
and even wild. The peaches are cut up and dried, and 
stored for winter use, making a useful and healthy food. 
The finer peaches have an equally wide range, but are of 
best quality and flavour in the Pretoria, Rustenburg, Marico 
countries. Apricots have a similar range to that of peaches, 
and are utilised much in the same way. Apples, pears, 
plums, grapes, and figs all grow well if well looked after, 
and bear prolifically. Grapes are extensively grown, but are 
not so fine as those of the Cape Colony. The finest fruit 
the Transvaal produces is the orange, and the best districts 
for its cultivation are Rustenburg and Marico. Here the 



THE LAND r 6 5 

orange attains a perfection probably unsurpassed anywhere in 
the world. The fortunate possessor of an orange grove in 
one of the Magliesberg valleys does not require to do much 
work. He can comfortably and confidently reckon on an 
income of from £300 to a £1000 a year. Pineapples and 
bananas grow well, especially in the low veld, but their 
cultivation has not hitherto been extensive. 

Fruit always brings a good price on the Rand market. 
Peaches are sold retail from id. to 3d. each. Oranges are 
usually 2d. or 3d., and so on. The supply is not equal to 
the demand, and the shortage is consequently being made 
up by shipments from abroad. The great cause of this is 
lack of transport facilities. New railways are required to 
alter this. Light railways would in many places serve ; they 
could be constructed cheaply, and would serve as feeders to 
the main lines. Where railways are not possible, fruit- 
canning and preserve-making could be started. At present, 
in many places the finest fruits are allowed to rot on the 
ground. This could easily be stopped by the introduction 
of a little energy, and it would soon be found to pay. 

Sub-Tropical Produce. 

The cultivation of sub-tropical produce, which cannot 
be indulged in on the high veld owing to the early winter 
and the cold winds, should in the low country become one 
of the chief agricultural resources of the Transvaal. Sugar, 
coffee, tea, and cotton planting may be made to play a great 
part in the future development of the new colony. 

Sugar. 

Sugar-cane has been grown for years throughout the 
Kaap Valley, and although the quantity has never been large 
enough to credit it with more than the nucleus of an in- 
dustry, sufficient proof has been adduced that given irrigation 
in dry seasons, soil and climate are suitable for its expansion 
throughout the low country into an established industry. 
The late Government granted concessions for sugar-planting 



1 66 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

alongside the Crocodile and Komati Rivers near to the 
Portuguese boundary, and it was hoped by many interested 
in the project that the owner would find it to his interest 
to put the grant to some practical use. Unfortunately, the 
sugar concession, like many others granted by Mr. Kruger's 
Government to speculators, has simply been held fallow in the 
hope that some enterprising individual might come along who 
would conform to the provisions of the deed. Sugar-growing 
on a commercial scale has not so far been tried in the Trans- 
vaal. The needs of the population, and the hoped-for ex- 
pansion of the country under better auspices, may direct 
serious and profitable attention to its production. 

Coffee. 

Coffee has been grown for some years, and one planta- 
tion in the Kaap Valley has been extended, and was doing 
exceptionally well. In Swaziland, where coffee was tried 
at first with success, the disease unfortunately swept off 
nearly all the plantations. So far disease has not made its 
appearance in the Kaap Valley. North of Pietersburg, in the 
Spelonken, coffee-planting is an established industry. The 
coffee grown is of the finest quality, and the home grown 
product now nearly suffices for the local demand. A German 
firm of planters, Messrs. Dickie Bros., reaped 25,000 lbs. 
last year. They sold the coffee to the Pietersburg store- 
keepers at 2 s. 6d. a lb. for the raw beans. This has been 
the only supply the Boers have had since the occupation 

of Pretoria. 

Other German enterprises are those of the Thabina and 
Westfalia Companies on the Groot Letaba. Mr. Schneider, 
one of the directors, has kindly supplied the following de- 
scription of the Companies' lands and the industry they are 

establishing. 

The statistical table of imports of food stuffs into South 
Africa to which he refers will be found in Appendix J. 
These imports, he considers, would be unnecessary if proper 
attention were given to agriculture. 




SPECIMEN OF COFFEE PLANT 



THE LAND 167 



Thabina and West/alia Companies Lands on the 
Groot Letaba River. 

The south-east of the tropical part of the Transvaal is very 
well adapted for the growing of all tropical and sub-tropical 
products, such as sugar-cane, coffee, cacao, tea, tobacco, and 
all kinds of fruit — bananas, pine-apples, oranges, &c. ; also 
for the planting of forests. The practical success of the 
cultivation of all these above-named products is now fully 
demonstrated by actual results. Everything essential to the 
establishment of a great agricultural industry is here : — 

1st. Virgin soil of great fertility. 

2nd. A situation extremely well sheltered, being sur- 
rounded by the Woodbush Mountains, which 
are overgrown with thick forest." 

3rd. Denudation of these mountains has caused alluvial 
soil to be deposited for centuries, and this is still 
going on, and thereby the fertility of the land 
is maintained. 

4th. Every description of soil necessary for the culti- 
vation of various tropical plants is found here. 

5 th. Several small and two large rivers run through 
the estates. These can be used for irrigation, 
driving of machinery, electric lighting, and other 
industrial purposes. The name of "The Trans- 
vaal Nile delta " would be specially applicable to 
these lands. 

6th. Many kinds of useful woods are abundant. 

7th. There is an unlimited supply of native labour, the 
district being the most thickly populated in the 
Transvaal. There are about 22,000 Kaffir 
families, or about 110,000 men, women, and 
children in the vicinity. The average wages are 
20s. a month and free food, and the Kaffirs 
rather work here for those wages than for much 
higher rates in the mines. This is the natives' 
home, and they are accustomed to the warm, 



1 68 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

almost tropical, climate. The Kaffir's food — 
mealies and Kaffir corn — grows abundantly on 
the spot. Consequently, wages and food together 
cost no more than 30s. a month. 

8th. The local market is unlimited, as is shown by the 
official statistics of the customs' returns for the 
different South African countries for the past 
three years. (See Appendix.) 

9th. Railway communication will soon be available in 
two directions — Pretoria-Pietersburg Railway 
and the Selati Railway. The distance from the 
Pietersburg terminus is about sixty miles, and 
from the Selati terminus about twenty-five miles. 
It is most likely that these two termini will be 
connected before long. 

The Transvaal has at present, excepting gold and 
coal, practically no other industries ; and with the immense 
water-power available in the district, it would be possible 
besides tropical agriculture to establish many other kinds 
of payable and necessary industries. In fact, great in- 
dustrial development should follow in the natural course 
of things. 

The companies under notice have already made profits 
amounting to 2 5 per cent, on their capital. They are planting 
sugar-cane, tobacco, coffee, all kinds of tropical and semi- 
tropical fruits, such as bananas, pineapples, oranges, &c, 
maize, potatoes, vegetables, &c, and also breeding cattle and 
cultivating forest (sylvan culture). There is also a small 
cigar factory making excellent cigars and cigarettes from 
tobacco grown on the spot. Besides the alluvial lands in 
the valley, there are eight farms with an area of about 
2000 acres on the top of the mountains, about 7500 feet 
above sea-level. These have plenty of water, and are ex- 
cellently adapted for breeding horses and cattle, and for 
dairy-farming and cheese-making. No horse sickness or 
rinderpest, or any other kind of sickness, has ever been 
known there. This spot would also make an excellent health 
resort ; the scenery is simply magnificent, and the distance 



THE LAND 169 

is only forty miles from Pietersburg, which is connected by 
railway with Pretoria. 

The first crop of the Coffee trees (these are bearing 
already after the second year, whereas in Java they bear 
only in the fourth and fifth year) was on an average 3 \ lbs. 
per tree. The Transvaal has already a famous name for its 
Tobacco, which is at present grown and cured in the most 
primitive manner ; therefore the highest results can be 
expected if this tobacco cultivation and manufactories, &c, 
are conducted on scientific and practicable principles, as 
in Havanna, Sumatra's east coast (Deli), Manila, &c. The 
Sugar-cane grown on the companies' ground is in size and 
luxurious growth equal to that of the best plantations 
of Java, which is one of the leading sugar-cane growing 
countries of the world. Numbers of trees of the well-known 
Eucalyptus grew on the companies' grounds in one year to 
a height of twenty feet. Wood is very scarce in South 
Africa, and has to be imported from foreign countries for all 
kinds of purposes, and the demand is ever increasing on 
account of the enormous mining industry, which is only in 
its childhood compared with what it will be in the future, 
and the prices paid are very high and remunerative. The 
freight from Delagoa Bay to Johannesburg is higher than the 
original cost price in the country where the timber comes from. 

The writer of this has travelled twice round the world, 
has been long engaged in tropical agriculture, and has had 
an experience of eighteen years as administrator of large 
plantations in Java and Sumatra ; but he has never seen 
a country where everything essential to the success of a 
great tropical agricultural industry has been so lavishly 
supplied by nature as it is here. 

The Thabina Colonisation Farming Association, Ltd., 
has planted about as follows : — 

Diverse coffee-trees from 1 to a,\ years old . 50,000 

Diverse tropical and sub-tropical fruit-trees and 

fruit-bushes ...... 18,000 

Diverse kinds of useful wood .... 40,000 



108,000 



170 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

For transplanting in the seedbeds ready as follows : — 

Coffee-trees ....... 100,000 

Diverse fruit-trees, &c. ..... 5,ooo 

Diverse kinds of wood ..... 15,000 



120,000 



The Westfalia Company has planted : — 

Diverse coffee-trees ...... 20,000 

Diverse tropical and sub-tropical fruit-trees . 3,000 

Diverse kinds of useful wood .... 3,000 



26,000 



For transplanting in the seedbeds as follows : — 



Diverse coffee-trees ...... 50,000 

Diverse fruit-trees ...... 8,000 

Diverse kinds of woods ..... 4,000 



62,000 



H. W. Schneider. 
Cotton. 

Cotton-growing is another possible industry, the tropical 
lowlands of Swaziland abutting on the Portuguese frontier 
being suitable for it, both in soil and climate. Extensive 
concessions in Swaziland, running up the Bomba, are held 
by English capitalists for the exploitation of cotton and other 
products. Swaziland, both because of its history and its 
geographical position, will probably be merged into the 
Transvaal. 

Tobacco. 

Tobacco grows. easily and luxuriously almost anywhere, 
and there are some fine valleys containing eminently suitable 
soil where the best leaf can be produced. It is rather owing 
to the methods of drying and preparation than to the quality 
of the leaf that the unsatisfactory character of some Trans- 
vaal tobacco is due. As with other industries which require 
• special knowledge, experts must be brought in to advise upon 
the districts that in climate and soil are best adapted for 
tobacco growing, and especially must the services of the 



THE LAND 171 

expert be utilised in the preparation of the leaf for the 
market. Magaliesberg tobacco from the Rustenburg dis- 
trict is greatly renowned. Tobacco is grown in nearly 
every district of the Transvaal, but Pretoria, Potchefstroom, 
Rustenburg, and Zoutpansberg are the districts where the 
plant grows best and where it develops most agreeably the 
special aroma peculiar to Transvaal tobacco. When once a 
smoker has become accustomed to the flavour, he prefers it to 
any other. Transvaal tobacco is probably the finest pipe 
tobacco in the world ; it does not burn the tongue nor give 
headache ; it is best when it is pure, not flavoured. Experi- 
ments have been made in the planting of Havana, Sumatra, 
and Manila seed, but the result is always that the special 
characteristics of these tobaccos are lost. In their stead the 
product has the qualities peculiar to the Transvaal. There 
may sometimes be a slight change in the leaf : it may be a 
little lighter or darker or bigger, but it does not resemble in 
the least the imported leaf from the countries where the seed 
was produced. Tobacco is rather an expensive crop to culti- 
vate on account of the necessity of keeping the land clean. 
Weeds grow with surprising rapidity in the warm tobacco 
country, especially when the land is watered by irrigation. 
In most districts the land requires manure ; only along the 
river sides in the Rustenburg and Zoutpansberg districts, where 
the soil consists of rich vegetable mould, can more than a few 
crops be obtained successfully without fertilisation. Trans- 
vaal tobacco is unsuitable for cigars, but makes good cigar- 
ettes on account of the mildness and delicacy of the flavour. 
If proper attention be given to preparation for the market, 
Transvaal tobacco should gain a name for itself in England 
and Europe as the finest for the pipe obtainable anywhere ; 
if smokers generally knew about it the tobacco would speedily 
be considered a luxury. Von Erkom, of Pretoria, has so far 
produced the best, and most adapted to the European taste. 
Transvaal tobacco can now be purchased in London. 



172 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Cocoa. 

Extracts from a Report on Cocoa Planting by H. S. Altenroxel. 1 

Krabbefontein, 2.2nd August 1898. 
Report on the possibility and future of the cocoa culture on the 
slopes of the Woodbush Mountains. 

Messrs. H. W. Schneider and J. H. W. Bal, Pretoria. 

Dear Sirs, — You are desirous to have my opinion on the ques- 
tion whether the cocoa culture would be a safe and payable under- 
taking in our ward. I am glad to be able to give you a few details 
on this matter, as, during my five years' experience in tropical agricul- 
ture, I have been studying the climate and soil of our property and 
the adjoining fields. 

I have long ago been of opinion that the cocoa culture on the 
farms of my company, although on specially selected parts, would 
not alone be possible, but also have the greatest reason to be a fine 
success. I have not been going in for planting cocoa on account of 
the expensive means of shipping the crops, and on account of want 
of capital. As we are being connected by railroads, &c, with the 
world — as capital is available, and as the demand for cocoa is in- 
creasing daily — the cultivation of cocoa, in suitable positions such 
as ours, is one that most certainly should be undertaken. 

The cocoa- tree {Theobroma cacao) in general wants a more 
tropical, that is, a more moist warm climate than the coffee. During 
this winter, which is known to have been the coldest season for the 
last twenty-five years in the Transvaal, we proved that a young and 
unsheltered coffee plantation on a very exposed slope did not suffer 
in the least from the cold ; even the cocoa-tree would not have 
suffered on the same exposed positions, but we do not want to plant 
it there, as we have most beautiful sheltered and warm valleys, which 
are, with more constant temperature and moisture, splendidly suited 
for cocoa planting. I believe we are here on the 23rd deg. south 
latitude, and still the cocoa-tree may be cultivated with success on 
a much higher degree south. On the other side, again, you may 
go much nearer to the equator and would not be able to grow 
cocoa on account of unfavourable local positions. 

The limits of a culture of tropical plants are therefore not alone 
governed by the degree north or south and the height above the sea, 
but also, and in a greater measure too, by the local position and 
circumstances of the land in question. In our case, latitude and 
degree, as well as the local position and the many favourable circum- 
stances which I shall name later, justify us to say that we can grow 
cocoa with every success. 

There are (besides other smaller) three prominent positions magni- 
ficently suitable for the culture of the cocoa-trees down here, namely, 

1 This is a translation from the original. 



THE LAND 173 

two broad valleys, one on the property of the Thabina Farming 
Association, Limited, and the other on the Plange Altenroxel's 
Block. These sheltered valleys, with an area of about 2000 morgen, 
are situated on the east slopes of the grandly wooded Woodbush 
Mountains. They have a river flowing through them, are warm, 
and have an almost constant humidity and a splendidly composed 
rich soil. Every essential point is present. A third position for 
cocoa culture is to be found on the northern portion of your new 
application. The average yearly temperature in our parts fully 
satisfies the demands of the cocoa-tree in this respect. 

The moisture of the air, which is vital for the cultivation of cocoa, 
is firstly provided through the nearness (especially in the case of the 
two valleys mentioned above) of the immense Woodbush forests, 
and the presence of the rivers and the sheltered positions, &c. ; and 
secondly, can be produced and increased by artificial irrigation, 
which can be exercised to any extent. 

The rainfall must be great and it is so here, but as said just 
before it can be assisted by irrigation. A cocoa plantation wants 
the rainfall fairly equally divided over the whole year, but again, in this 
respect, our special climate is most favourable, as the rainless season 
in these parts generally only lasts for four to six weeks. Again the 
artificial irrigation could help out in extraordinary cases. It must 
be distinctly understood that an abundant supply of water is at our 
disposal, and only where this is the case, providing the other circum- 
stances are favourable, cocoa culture is possible. 

The cocoa-tree will not thrive (not to speak of bearing fruit) in a 
hot, dry position with a scarce water supply, a drought of five months 
will kill it. Our position further is storm free ; this is of utmost im- 
portance, as otherwise the fruit is beaten down unripe. As regards 
the soil, we can offer the cocoa-tree the very best possible — deep, rich, 
and most favourably composed. 

Plenty of lime is wanted and readily found in high percentages. 
Lime forms the most important factor in cocoa soils. Abundance 
of iron is there to make the beans red and highly valuable. Our 
soil contains the absolute necessary light percentage of phosphoric 
acid. Even the subsoil, as proved by an analysis, is richer than the 
topsoil in this highly valuable plant food for the cocoa-tree. Alkali, 
magnesia, sulphuric acid, &c, are found in the soil in sufficient 
quantities. I think I have now brought to view the main points 
which are essential to a successful culture of cocoa, they are all most 
favourable. I will mention that I am of opinion that the trees will 
start to bear here in their third or fourth year, whereas in other 
cocoa-producing countries they only begin to give crops in the sixth 
and seventh year. — I am, yours truly, 

(Signed) H. S. Altenroxel, 

Manager Thabina Farm Assoc, Ltd. 

(Signed) Cour. Plange, 

Westfalia Tobacco Plantations. 

Westfalia Tobacco Plantations. 



174 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



Climate of the Low Country. 

The following notes on the climate of the low country 
by H. S. Altenroxel have the great value of being statements 
based on actual test and experience. They refer, it is true, to 
a particular locality on the Groot Letaba River, but they may 
be taken as applicable to the greater part of the Transvaal 
low veld, only a few swampy uninhabited places excepted. 

Krabbefontein, 31J/ December 1898. 1 
Ward Onderveld, District Zoutpansberg, Z.A.R. 

The climate of the low country, especially the locality 
bordered on the west by the Woodbush Mountains, 
on the south by the Drakensberg, on the east by 
the Murchison range of the Selati Goldfields, and on 
the north by Majatje's Mount. 

When the Selati Goldfields were in full swing in 1889- 
1893 hundreds of people came down to the low country and 
lived there for shorter or longer periods. As is generally 
the case in newly opened goldfields, accommodation, good 
houses, food-stuffs, and medicines, &c, were unknown things. 
The life was rough and ready, and many of the newcomers, 
especially the miners, indulged in drinking hard, and that on 
bad spirits, and lived in absolute disregard of bodily welfare. 

So it was also on the Murchison range, and the con- 
sequence was that a score or so of men died — died, of 
course, of fever. Now the fact cannot be denied that the 
low country with an elevation of 2000 to 2500 feet is not 
fever free ; but I and every inhabitant of these fields will 
readily state that the same is of very mild character, and 
with a little care not in the least dangerous. 

Poor Jack and Tom So-and-So were found dead or dying 
in their rondavels 2 ; for the outside public, victims of malaria, 
but the more initiated knew that they had been on the " spree " 
for some time, had not been eating anything for days ; and 
last, not least, had been sleeping outside in the rain. Perhaps 
a little fever did the rest, but what wonder ? Anyhow, such 

1 Translated. 2 Rondavel = hut (see illustration). 




* % - 



v. J** 


<| 


5 HI 

*3 




■ "T' 


>'■, 






! * 


c* 










•«e 




> 

P 
O 
U 



o 



i— i 

W 
D 
H 



•J 



O 



THE LAND 175 

cases were fit to give the fields a bad name. Having myself 
been an inhabitant of the low country for the last ten years, 
I had good opportunity to learn that the word " unhealthy " 
applied to the low country is absolutely unjust and unfair. 

After 1893, when the building of the Selati railway 
proved to be a failure, a good many people left, but many 
settled down, built solid houses, and are now living with their 
families a comfortable life. 

The truth of the fact that fever abates with settlement 
is well demonstrated by the district of Barberton, where 
fever is now unknown, and where fifteen years ago hardly 
anybody could live. With our low country, as just said, we 
experience the same. It is not to be called an unhealthy fever 
country, and it is time that the public should know this. 
In 1893 my partner, C. Plange, and myself left Thabina and 
started farming on a larger scale, some twenty-five miles to 
the north-west, between the Letaba, Politzy, Waterval, and 
Vaalwater rivers. Although our new situation has a couple 
of hundred feet more elevation, it is all the same really 
tropical, as otherwise the coffee, sugar, tea, tobacco, &c, 
plantations of the now well-known Thabina Farming Associa- 
tion, Limited, and other agricultural undertakings down here 
could not flourish as they do. 

We are now five years on the farms, with, more or less, 
twelve to fifteen white assistants, and have up to this day not 
lost one life through fever or any other sickness. 

This fact should give a solid bottom to my statements 
which I assert here along with other inhabitants of these 
parts. The before-named river territory has proved to be 
specially suitable for tropical agricultural undertakings, and 
has begun to draw attention. Being in the neighbourhood 
of the different low country goldfields, which have, as above 
explained, not yet cleared their fame as regards the nature 
of the climate, the plantation area, in spite of proof to the 
contrary, is in danger of being classed unhealthy. In con- 
sideration of the great future which is in store for this 
part of the country, the interested parties and inhabitants are 
determined to declare herewith openly that the climate of the 
districts here described is fit for Europeans to live and settle 



176 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

down in. Good initial proof of this statement is provided in 
the fact that in the last five to eight years some fifty 
Europeans, partly with their families, have settled down 
here, and are quietly but surely colonising this extremely 
fertile valley. It must also be mentioned that some fifty 
South African farmers with their families have settled down on 
the area in question, or in the neighbourhood. 

The writer, who has been continually on the farms, 
with his men, for five years, winter and summer, is, together 
with his staff, enjoying fine health, although the farming 
life is the most exposed one possible. Daily bathing in 
the open rivers, exercise from the hard work done (which 
keeps the pores of the skin well open through perspir- 
ing), good food — mostly of a vegetable character — little 
spirits, and living in suitable cool houses ; these are our 
recommendations, and they must be followed by those who 
intend to live and settle in a tropical or semi-tropical climate. 
Advantage further must be taken of the assistance nature 
gives us at hand towards exterminating the few possible 
fever germs. One of the first and finest things — with- 
out taking the profit value into consideration — is the 
cultivation of gum or eucalyptus trees. The strong and 
fresh odour which the leaves of this species of trees sends 
forth cleanses the air of fever germs. Certain wild plants, 
again, especially fit for propagating foul air, must be ex- 
tinguished. "Vleis" 1 have to be drained for the sake of 
improving the health character of the country and to make 
use of their very rich soil. Science, practical knowledge, 
and common sense must go hand in hand, and the word 
" fever " will soon be unknown in these parts. 

(Signed) H. S. Altenroxel, Manager, Thabina Farm 

Assoc, Ltd. 

To H. W. Schneider, Esq., 
Box 736, Pretoria. 

The foregoing is corroborated by forty-seven residents 
who sign their names as follows : — 



Vlei = swamp. 



THE LAND 



177 



Cour. Plange, 
F. S. Altenroxel, 



Westfalia 
Plantations 
Company. 
W. J. Viljoen, V.C., Veldcornet 
wyk Onderveld, H.S.A. (Veld 
Cornet Ward Onderveld). 
J. A. T. Egen. 
J. H. de Beer. 
M. J. Kelder. 
T. T. J. Theron. 
M. J. F. Kelder. 
F. J. Botha. 

W. VAN REENAN. 

A. C. Botha. 
H. P. Prinsloo. 
F. J. Botha. 
A. R. Alberts. 
A. Meyer. 
W. J. Viljoen. 
C. O. Botha. 
A. P. Prinsloo. 
J. S. Theron. 
R. J. van Rooyen. 
C. Strandberg. 
N. G. P. Botha. 



T. A. Geyer. 

M. C. J. VAN SCHALKWYK. 
M. C. J. VAN SCHALKWYK. 

J. H. de Beer. 
H. F. de Beer. 
W. A. de Beer. 

P. J. SCHEEPERS. 

F. H. D. Groome. 
Jan. C. Viljoen. 
Emil E. Egen. 
P. J. Viljoen. 
J. J. Viljoen. 
W. H. Viljoen, Jim. 
Franz Rassau. 
Jos. Messing. 
W. Brewer. 

A. WlNTERBERG. 

Felix Verhoeven. 
B. S. Altenroxel. 
Willy Verhoeven. 
Hubert Gassel. 
Arnold Verhoeven. 
K. Joseph Derksen. 
J. P. Malherbe. 
Oscar Olsen. 



In the concluding paragraph of his report Mr. Altenroxel 
strikingly agrees with the opinions set forth in a paper on 
"A School of Tropical Medicine," by Dr. Manson, medical 
adviser to the Colonial Office, read on March 13, 1900, 
before the Fellows of the Royal Colonial Institute. 1 In this 
most valuable and interesting paper Dr. Manson describes 
the advances that have been made in the study of malarial 
fever, and states the practical certainty that its propagation 
is the agency of certain species of mosquitoes. 

"Fortunately for mankind," says Dr. Manson, " only a limited 
number of species (of mosquitoes) are effective transmitters of the 
malarial germ. It so happens that the malarial germ after it has 
been ingested by the mosquito has to leave the insect's stomach, 
pass into its tissues, undergo many evolutionary changes there, and 
finally find its way to the poison gland of the insect, and so to the 
human body when the mosquito proceeds to make its next meal on 
a human victim. . . . 

"It injects the transformed parasite in the droplet of venom 
which it emits through its proboscis every time it bites a man. . . . 
Fortunately the malarial germ will not thrive and pass through the 
changes I have indicated in every kind of mosquito ; therefore it is 

1 Proceedings Royal Colonial Institute, vol. xxxi. pp. 1S5, 186. 

M 



178 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

that only certain species are dangerous, and only such individual 
insects of these particular species as have previously fed on human 
blood which at the time contained malaria parasites. Happily, the 
distribution of these dangerous kinds of mosquito is limited. 

"Still I fancy I hear objections. Some are saying, 'There is 
plenty, or used to be plenty of malaria in England, in the fen 
country, for example, but there are no mosquitoes in England. If 
the mosquitoes be the transmitter of malaria, how explain our Eng- 
lish malaria?' This objection I meet with a flat contradiction. 
There are plenty of mosquitoes in England, at least seven kinds, 
only in England they are called 'gnats.' 

" Again I hear : ' How, if there are mosquitoes, or gnats, in 
England, and mosquitoes be the cause of malaria, how account for 
the fact that in recent years indigenous malaria has disappeared 
from the land ? ' There is probably a combination of reasons for 
this. In the first place, in consequence of improvements in agri- 
culture and extensive drainage, the breeding-places of the mosquito, 
that is to say, stagnant pools, are fewer and more restricted in area 
than formerly ; consequently, mosquitoes are fewer, and the chance 
of being bitten by them is correspondingly diminished. In the 
second place, because of the cheapening of quinine, and the increased 
appreciation of the value and use of this drug, there are fewer 
malarial subjects for mosquitoes to" draw germs from. Quinine kills 
the germ as surely as arsenic kills the rat. By these two means — 
drainage and the extended use of quinine — the tide has been turned 
against the malarial germ in England, and it has gradually disap- 
peared from the country, just as the wolf and the wild boar have 
disappeared. 

" See now what dominion this knowledge of the malaria germ 
gives us over the disease. We have it in our power absolutely to 
avert malaria, and this we can do in many ways, founding our 
methods on our knowledge of the habits of the germ and of the 
transmitter of the germ — that is, the mosquito. As of old, we can 
kill the germ in the human host by quinine. 'This is nothing new,' 
you may say. True, but the appreciation of its importance as 
regards the spread of malaria is new. We now know that malaria is 
a communicable, a catching disease; and we now know, what we 
did not formerly believe, that a malarial patient is a source of danger 
to his neighbours. It is therefore of importance to give quinine 
to the malarial patient ; not for his own sake merely, but for the 
sake of his neighbour as well, to whom he is a continual source of 
danger through the mosquitoes that may feed upon him, and so 
transmit his germs. Malaria could be stamped out in a community 
by all-round free drugging with quinine. After a month or two the 
supply of infected blood would have come to an end, and conse- 
quently there would be no more infected mosquitoes. That is one 
way of exterminating malaria. Another is to cause all malarials to 
sleep under mosquito nets, or in mosquito houses. The mode of 



THE LAND 179 

action of this method would be practically the same as the former. 
Mosquitoes could not become infected ; their bites would be harm- 
less. A third method is to cause the uninfected to live in mosquito- 
proof houses and sleep in mosquito-proof beds. By so doing they 
could not become infected, and the parasites would tend to die out 
for want of fresh hosts. A fourth way is to kill by different kinds 
of culicicides all mosquitoes entering the house. A fifth method is 
to destroy the mosquito larvae before they reach maturity and the 
biting stage. This can be done by drainage, or by poisoning the 
mosquito pools. Lastly, malaria may be stamped out by the com- 
bined application of all these methods ; and it is probable that such 
a combination will be the method adopted in the future, so soon as 
the public have been educated up to the point of wishing for, of 
paying for, and of applying the means of protection science has now 
placed at their disposal. 

" Our existing knowledge of the causes of some of the other 
tropical diseases I enumerated is almost, if not quite, as complete as 
that of which we can boast of in the case of malaria. My time will 
not permit of my taking similar stock of our knowledge of those 
other diseases. Unfortunately, there are still not a few of whose 
causes we are as yet in ignorance, and which, in consequence of 
this ignorance, we are absolutely powerless to prevent or to cure. 
But it must not be concluded from this that the lacking knowledge 
is unattainable. Let us take heart from the history of the progress 
of our knowledge of malaria. It is only twenty years since the 
malaria germ was discovered, only two years since the action of the 
mosquito in transmitting the germ was revealed. When full know- 
ledge of the causes and modes of propagation of these other tropical 
diseases does come, we will get with this knowledge, sooner or later, 
the power that knowledge confers." 



Irrigation. 

It has been explained how the rivers of the Transvaal 
take their rise for the most part in the beds of cavernous lime- 
stone, which occupy positions on or near the watersheds of 
the country, and that, consequently, the rivers, unlike those 
of the Cape Colony, are perennial. Advantage has been 
taken of this fact for years past by the Boer farmers, who 
have laid out irrigated lands along the lower stretches of the 
rivers, and have been successful in raising large crops from 
the rich alluvial soil existing in these localities. These 
irrigation works are run on the simplest lines ; the water 
is led on to the surface of the land, and allowed to drain 
through at the lower end, and the surplus finds its way back 



i8o 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



to the stream. This system tends to the gradual impoverish- 
ment of the soil, and some of the lands which have grown 
crops for years without manure, now yield unsatisfactory 
results. Even on these lands already irrigated, many im- 
provements could be made on the working methods ; but 
irrigation could be greatly extended. Not one-quarter of 
the available water supply is at present being used. Take, 
for instance, the country between Pretoria and Rustenburg, 
which consists of a series of long valleys, with soil probably 
the richest in the Colony. To the south there is the long 
stretch of limestone formation marked on the maps, " Kalk- 
heuvel," or " Limestone Hills." This limestone is situated 
practically on the top basin of the Witwatersberg, at an 
altitude of several hundred feet above the valleys to the 
north. It lies, so to speak, in a trough at the top of the 
watershed, and is held within containing walls of slate and 
quartzite. As has already been stated, the water supply of 
Pretoria is derived from one of the fountains arising in this 
limestone. Formerly the fountain supplied only 500,000 
gallons in twenty-four hours, but a few years back the 
Pretoria Waterworks Company opened up the fountain, and 
it now yields a daily supply of 1,250,000 gallons, and that 
without diminishing in any way the water from the other 
adjacent fountains which supply the Aapies River. These 
supply 7,000,000 gallons to the river every twenty-four hours. 
Along the southern face of the Witwatersberg similar in- 
creased supplies could be tapped, certainly enough to double 
or treble the present area of irrigated lands in the valleys 
below. On the south of the Witwatersrand watershed 
supplies of water from similar sources are available. 
Johannesburg is now supplied with 2,000,000 gallons daily 
from the farm Zuurbekom, which, until the present works 
were established, had no running water on it. This supply 
is obtained at a comparatively trifling cost for pumping, and 
if it were only a case of raising the water sufficiently high 
for irrigation on the lands to the south, the cost per acre 
would be inappreciable. As this waterholding dolomite 
extends over great areas of the country, the question of 
water supply is an easy one ; the water is abundant and it 



THE LAND 181 

only requires to be utilised. The water contains a con- 
siderable quantity of carbonate of lime, useful in neutralising 
any excess of alkali in the soil. 

There can be little doubt that irrigation will, and does, 
pay in the Transvaal. The following extract from the 
Union-Castle Company's Guide to South Africa, edited by 
Messrs. A. S. & G. G. Brown, provides useful data regarding 
irrigation in the Cape Colony, and the extraordinary increase 
in the value of the land irrigated, as against non-irrigated 
land, is remarkable. The Transvaal, in possessing richer soil 
and a more abundant water supply, offers a more promising 
field for irrigation than the Colony. 

" A tank measuring 30 feet by 30 feet and 4 feet deep, would 
contain 22,400 gallons, which is equal to a one-inch rainfall over 
one square mile, i.e., 302^ Cape morgen. It is obvious that a depth 
of 8 feet would contain two inches, and so on. 

" Water in very large quantities is not required. Sir J. B. Lawes 
and Dr. Gilbert's observations show that wheat, oats, and hay can 
mature, in a climate like that of England, into average crops, with an 
allowance of seven inches of rain, provided that the rain comes at 
the proper time. This fact, taken in conjunction with the informa- 
tion given elsewhere on the rainfall, has an important bearing on 
the value of land. Presuming that the circumstances to be met 
with in South Africa require these seven inches to be doubled, and 
that three-quarters of the rainfall escapes or evaporates, only one- 
quarter being brought on to the land, a catchment of 100 morgen, 
that is to say, a superficial area measuring 1000 by 1000 paces, 
with a rainfall of four inches, is what is necessary to cultivate seven 
morgen. If the rainfall is heavier, or the area available as catchment 
on a 1500 morgen farm exceeds 100 morgen, the amount of land 
that can be irrigated increases in proportion. Taking Ceres, Graaff- 
Reinet, Brakfontein, Cradock, and Aliwal North, all situated in dry 
districts, as a representative group, the average yearly rainfall is 
21 inches, or sufficient, if the above figures are adopted, to irrigate 
about one morgen of land for every three morgen of catchment, i.e., 
375 morgen ( = 794 acres) out of a 1500 morgen farm. If more 
than one crop per annum is grown, the irrigated area must of course 
be divided by the number of crops requiring irrigation. 

"The value of water in the Karoo may be estimated from the 
following instance. A stream of water was carried for a distance on 
to a farm in the Bokkeveld in the neighbourhood of Ceres. On the 
land thus irrigated fourteen muids of wheat were planted in 1891, 
giving a return of 1200 muids; in 1892, forty muids gave 2000, and 
in 1893, seventy-eight muids of wheat gave 3475, and two of oats 
and one of barley gave 200 muids. It is said that the yield would 



182 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

have been much greater had there been sufficient labour available to 
gather the harvest properly (one muid = three bushels). 

" Where the land is brak, 1 irrigation is said to depreciate the value 
of the soil. 

"Out of the surplus for 1895, the Cape Government set aside 
a small amount for two irrigation schemes by means of dams. One 
at Kenhardt, to cost £20,000, will reclaim about 1000 acres ; one 
at Calitsdorp, to cost ,£50,000, will reclaim about 1400 acres. 

" In the consequent debate the example of the famous irrigated 
valley of Granada (Spain) was quoted, and the want of proper laws 
for the conduct of water and expropriation of proprietors was 
deplored. 

"Were efficient regulations provided, individual enterprise would 
no doubt receive an immediate impulse, and for this purpose it is 
probable that the conditions existing in countries where irrigation 
is a necessity, might be studied with advantage. For instance, in 
Spain, when such works are declared by the authorities to be of 
'public utility,' owners of land may be bought out at their own 
valuation, for purposes of taxation, plus an additional 4 per cent. 

" In the debate mentioned above, Sir James Sivewright gave the 
following figures : First-class land in Spain, selling at £38 per acre 
dry, fetched £128 when irrigated; second-class rose from £^20 to 
,£100; third-class from £3 to £48, or an average rise from 
.£14, 12s. to£"8i, 12s. He also said that it had been found that 
in many parts of the Oudtshoorn district, one morgen of irrigated 
land gave an annual return of £6&. 

" Sir James probably knew that irrigated land in Spain is sold 
separately from the water, and that his prices would only apply to 
the land itself. It is not at all rare to find that tanks for storing 
water in the Canaries have cost more than the farms that they 
supply. The return of £68 per morgen given by him is a very 
small one, and indicates partial or faulty cultivation. Banana planta- 
tions in the Canaries have yielded three times as much, even at the 
low local prices. 

" In the event of irrigation becoming more general, it is to be 
hoped that farmers will receive instruction in the proper method of 
applying water. At present they are accustomed to run it down the 
land, a plan which not only wastes a large quantity of water and of 
time, but which gradually washes the goodness out of the soil. All 
of these evils are avoided by conducting the water along horizontal 
furrows, each furrow being filled and closed when full. A single 
native, working with a fair head of water in a properly ploughed 
field, can thus irrigate a considerable number of acres in a day. 

"Although the returns given by an irrigation colony are not 
immediate, it is difficult to understand why the magnificent oppor- 
tunities South Africa affords for this species of investment have 
not already attracted the attention of capitalists. It is to be trusted 

1 Brak = salt. 



THE LAND 183 

that the matter will be energetically taken up before the hindrances 
from riparian rights become too great. 

" The immense profits to be realised by such an undertaking may 
be gathered from the prices of land near Graafif Reiner, where lots 
within the irrigated area are worth at least ,£200 per morgen, as 
compared with 12s. 6d. to 25s. a few miles away. Mr. Gamble's 
estimate for reclaiming 200 square miles of country near Barkly 
West by means of a canal from the Vaal River was ;£ 130,000." 

The value of irrigated land near Pretoria varies from 
£20 to £7$ per morgen, and some of the market-gardens 
gave annual returns equal to many of those mentioned in the 
foregoing quotations. Besides the ordinary irrigation work 
done by the Boers on their individual farms, private enterprise 
had already begun before the War to take up larger schemes. 

One of these was undertaken by Mr. Christopher Rigg. 
The plan was to take out water from the Vaal River at a 
point near Klerksdorp, and lead it by means of a furrow to 
a large alluvial flat some miles below. Mr. Rigg had com- 
pleted about one-half of the work when the War began, and 
in common with other British subjects he had to get away 
to British territory. The inauguration of the work was 
greatly hampered by the necessity of obtaining the consent 
of the owners of the ground over which the water had to be 
led. This is a large scheme and will cost many thousands 
of pounds, but when finished it should yield a splendid 
return on the capital and energy expended. Another less 
costly but equally promising scheme is that of General 
Schoeman on his farm of Schoeman's Rust. The plan 
adopted here is the damming of the Crocodile River where 
it passes through a narrow poort. 1 The work has been done 
at comparatively trifling cost, and the result is a dam or 
lake on which one could sail a yacht. By this work an 
extensive area of rich grain-growing land has been irrigated. 
Before the War the place was offered to the Government for 
£25,000, the idea being that it should be made into a 
settlement for poor burghers, 2 but the price was considered 
to be too high, the Volksleden 8 believing they could secure 

1 Poort = opening in a hill range. 

- The agrarian question was already becoming acute under the old Govern- 
ment. 

8 Volksleden = members of the Volksraad. 



184 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



equally good places, and construct dams for themselves. 
There are hundreds of places in the country where similar 
works could be undertaken. In the Cape Colony the Smart 
Syndicate by the making of two dams near Britstown, one 
of which holds 817,747,859 gallons of water, laid 2000 
morgen under irrigation. This place was recently partially 
destroyed by Brand's raiding commando. Besides large 
schemes such as these, there are thousands of places where 
a moderate expenditure in dam-making would secure sur- 
prising results. A successful Colonial Afrikander resident 
in Klerksdorp bought a farm from a Boer about two years 
before the War. The Boer had been in the habit of culti- 
vating only one or two morgen to supply his own wants, 
and had gradually fallen into debt. The first year the new 
owner made a dam at a cost of £30, and last year he sowed 
a field of oats. He reaped 25,000 bundles of oat hay, 
which he sold to the military this year on their arrival in 
Klerksdorp for the sum of £375. By the completion of this 
dam and the erection of another he expects to have enough 
water to raise 100,000 bundles the first year after the 
country is settled. Such enterprises as this are possible all 
over the country. The best opportunities for the larger 
schemes are offered by the Vaal River and its tributaries. 
The Schoonspruit and the Mooi River are two of these, and 
the district through which they flow may be considered to 
have been the granary of the Transvaal in the past. The 
water supply is practically unlimited. Then there are the 
rivers flowing north, the Crocodile and its tributaries, which 
flow down from the Witwatersberg. In the low country there 
are the valleys of the Komati, the Oliphants River, and the 
Groot and Klein Letaba, on all of which there are many places 
offering equally promising prospects for tropical agriculture to 
the farms on the Letaba described by Mr. Schneider {ante). 

The schemes which should occupy the chief attention of 
the Government are large barrages on the principal rivers 
similar to that of Mr. Christopher Rigg on the Vaal, near 
Klerksdorp. The Vaal, with waters heavily laden with mud, 
would, if properly inspanned, perform much the same work 
as the Nile does in Egypt. Its waters would not only 



THE LAND 185 

irrigate the lands, but would at the same time provide for 
continual renewal of their fertility. Wherever Vaal River 
water is led on to the land, as, for instance, at Warrenton, 
in Griqualand West, the gardens grow the most astonishing 
crops, a small patch of a few acres being sufficient to support 
a man and his family. In the course of twenty years the 
greater part of the Vaal River valley could be made a 
garden with a teeming agricultural population which might 
in time be numbered by millions. The same could be done 
with the Orange River and several other of the Orange 
River Colony rivers. The Modder, whose name means mud, 
and whose characteristics are well known to our soldiers, 
could be put to similar use, although in the case of the 
Orange River Colony streams the cost of the works would 
be heavier owing to the depth to which the rivers have cut 
their channels in soft rocks of the Karoo formation. 

That such works would pay can hardly admit of doubt. 
The enormous increase in the value of the irrigated lands 
over their value as ordinary veld would, in many cases, if 
they were sold by auction on reasonable terms, cover the 
whole cost of construction. Irrigated lands on the Orange 
River at Upington, Douglas, and other places have been sold 
at from ^30 to £50 per acre. 

Land Policy. 

The next question is how to frame a Government policy 
which will encourage agriculture and irrigation, and what 
suitable lands are available. The Government already owns 
great areas. The proportionate holding of land in the Trans- 
vaal is shown in the following statement : — 

Land Owned by the Government, 

Surveyed or Inspected. Area. 

About 1700 farms in the Low | 2,956,630 morgen 

Country-Waterberg, Zoutpans- K _ fi »S g ^ 

berg, and Lydenburg . . . . ) 

About 655 farms in the middle and ) ,,154,392 morgen 

high veld highly suitable for, = 24 ^ 766 acres. 

settlement I '* DD " 

Total . . 4,111,022 morgen = 8,692,255 acres. 



186 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



insurveyed and uninspected ) . , 

T j c ry , r u I About s, 000,000 morgen 

Lydenburg, Zoutpansberg, V _ 

srberg, and Komati, &C. 1 . ) - °>5° )° 



Lands unsurveyed and uninspected 
in 
Waterbei 

Total Government land about . 19,000,000 acres. 



Land Owned by Private Owners, Boers, Uitlanders, and 

Land Companies. 

Surveyed or Inspected. Area. 

About 3700 farms in the Low ) 

r« \. t j u v 4. ( 10,000,000 morgen 

Country — Lydenburg, Zoutpans- y ' , ' ° 

u j W \ 1 D r ( = 2 1,10 c;, 000 acres, 

berg, and Waterberg . . . . ) ' Di 

About 5650 farms in the middle and ) 14,032,655 morgen 

high veld j = 29,668,842 acres. 

Total lands owned privately . \ o 

* J I =50,833,842 acres. 

Of the 9350 farms owned privately, 6851 are owned by 
inhabitants (mostly Boers), 375 by non-residents, and 2124 
by land companies. One land company, The Oceana, owns 
1,038,000 acres, and another, The Transvaal Consolidated 
Land and Exploration, owns 3,647,000 acres. The holdings 
of the land companies are chiefly situated in the low country. 

A detailed list of the farms and of the areas in the various 
districts will be found in Appendix H. 

A small proportion of the Government lands are situated 
near the large towns of Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the 
capabilities of these areas should at once be inquired into and 
dealt with, as will be suggested in the next chapter. Then 
there are the existing townships with large commonages, 
the irrigable land of which could be largely added to, and 
there would be no difficulty with the present communities with 
regard to utilising more of the commonage lands for cultiva- 
tion : the terms of their rights are, that all the commonages 
are the property of the Government. 

The enormous areas in the low country would supply un- 
limited areas for tropical agriculture, and, in addition to these 
Government reserves, there remain the lands held privately. 
How to deal with these great areas privately owned must be 
considered, and suggestions will be made here with reference 

1 A large portion of these lands are occupied by natives, and would not be 
available for settlement. 



THE LAND 187 

to the Boer owners and the great land companies. There is 
no lack of land. 

The difficulty is a suitable plan of bringing it within the 
scope of irrigation and cultivation. Irrigation in the past 
has been regulated by the ordinary use and wont under the 
Roman Dutch law, which allows riparian rights along per- 
manent streams, the special extent of each owner's rights 
being arrived at by considerations of equity and length of 
time he has enjoyed them. Where new sources of water 
supply are obtained without damaging previous supplies, the 
owner on whose ground they are opened has the sole right 
to them if he likes. To establish any marked advance in 
irrigation enterprise, it will be necessary to give the Govern- 
ment further powers, not in the direction of upsetting old 
rights, but rather in the way of creating new ones. The 
Government should undertake the principal irrigation works 

itself. 

In all great irrigating countries, such as Egypt or India, 
the works are constructed and the management supervised 
by the Government. This was the case even in the oldest 
civilisations. As a rule, irrigation works are too expensive 
to be undertaken single-handed by the individual farmer, nor 
can he afford the time. Only by combination is it possible 
to create a great agricultural country by means of irrigation. 

The Government might adopt, in a limited measure, the 
principle of assisting private owners, a system which has 
been used in Scotland in regard to drainage of the land ; but 
there are always serious objections against advancing public 
money solely for assisting private enterprise, and it seems 
better that the Government should chiefly take up public 

schemes. 

To this end, and for other ends as well, the following 

land policy is suggested. 

Firstly, to adopt similar measures to those in force in 
Australia, New Zealand, and even in Spain, where the land 
question has been solved to a great extent on the principle 
that land is a necessity for the people, and that it cannot 
without danger and loss to the State be allowed to lie 
unworked and useless merely to suit the plans of speculators. 



i88 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



The laws in these countries provide that, where public 
policy demands it, the land may be expropriated for what- 
ever purpose it is required. To accomplish this end a 
moderate but remunerative tax is first fixed on the land, 
according to its value. The value is arrived at between the 
Government appraiser and the owner, and the tax is payable 
on the amount declared fair. The Government has the right 
to buy out the land at a price 4 per cent, above the valuation 
on which the tax is paid. This, of course, ensures at once 
a fair valuation and the right to purchase. It forces land- 
lords to use or let others use their land, as, if they derive no 
revenue from the land and they have large estates, the tax 
becomes a heavy burden. It should be applied on all lands, 
but discriminately, so that in case a man's estate is put to 
proper beneficial use, he should only have to pay, say a 
quarter per cent, per annum. All lands not put to proper 
use should be taxed double, that is, a half per cent, on the 
value. The old Government charges of 10s. per farm on 
freehold farms and 30s. on quitrent farms should be main- 
tained. The values of the great areas of land in the low 
country districts are, of course, much less than those of the 
cultivated settled areas in the south, so that even to the large 
land companies the tax need not be unnecessarily severe. 
No other tax should be laid on the farmer except the personal 
tax of 1 8s. 6d. levied on every able-bodied man in the colony. 
All land and farming enterprises should be free of profit- 
tax, which in itself would be difficult both to assess and to 
collect. But farmers engaging in other business should have 
to pay on the profits secured thereby. The value which should 
form the basis of the land-tax would only be the agricultural 
value of the land, and the tax should not be calculated on its 
possible gold value, or even on its value as a likely place for 
a future town. If the Government buys land for irrigation, 
and the establishment of agricultural settlements and other 
purposes connected with land industry, the contingent gold 
or mineral benefits should be left in possession of the owners, 
to be dealt with under the provisions of the Gold Law. 



THE LAND 189 



Village Communities. 

But it would be unnecessary for the Government to 
undertake much buying of land for the establishment of 
land industries. The settlement of agricultural communities 
could, to a great extent, be brought about automatically by 
applying, with a few alterations, the present system of town- 
ships. When a landowner thinks he has land suitable for 
subdivision into gardening lots or smaller or larger farming 
lots, and is desirous of doing so, he applies to Government 
for the right to establish a township on the ground. The 
irrigable lands are divided into erven, and the dry veld 
portion remains as a commonage, each erf 1 holder having the 
right to graze so many head of small stock and so many 
head of large stock on the commonage. Under the old 
system the Government sometimes bought the farm outright 
from the owner, and then held a sale of the erven, each erf 
holder, in addition to the purchase price, having to pay a 
Government due of 5 s. or 10s. per month. The Government, 
where it bought right out, took all the revenue. Other 
agreements were made, notably on townships on goldfields, 
whereby the owner became a partner with the Government 
in the revenues from the stands, the agreements varying 
in different cases. Here is the groundwork of a system 
which the Boer already understands, which, with few 
alterations, could be made suitable to the new conditions. 
The owner wishing to sell his land could lay his proposition 
before the Minister and Board of Agriculture, who would 
inquire into its suitability as regards soil, water, position, &c, 
for a settlement. The owner would state the price which 
he would be willing to take for his farm, and the terms he 
would allow for payment. These should be, say, one-third 
cash, and the balance in yearly instalments, spread over 
three or four years, without interest. The Government, if 
satisfied, would then survey the farm into suitable farming 
or gardening lots, each lot carrying grazing rights on the 
commonage of dry veld. According to size an upset price 

1 Erf = town lot. 



190 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



would be fixed on each, to bring out the purchase price 
of the farm, and then the whole would be advertised for sale. 
If the lots brought higher prices than the upset prices, one 
half of the excess should go to the owner, and the other half 
to the village community. If on the day of the sale more 
than 25 per cent, of the lots remained unsold, the owner 
offering the property might declare the sale null and void, 
or he might take the remaining lots himself at upset price 
and fall under the conditions for the whole community ; and 
if only 2 5 per cent., or any lesser proportion, remained unsold, 
he should be bound and required to do this. If any pur- 
chaser of a lot, after paying his first instalment, should fall 
into arrears and be unable to pay, his lot should be advertised 
for one or two months ; if he had not paid by the day of 
advertised sale, his lot should be sold to the highest bidder. 
If it realised more than the amount still due to the owner, 
the excess should be refunded to the first purchaser to help 
to make up to him the first money paid. The purchasers 
of these erven should not, during the first five years after 
purchase, be liable to have any of their farming implements 
sold or their houses or other property in connection with 
their farming industry seized or distrained for debts on an}' 
pretext whatever. This is the principle applied in the 
American Homestead Acts. 

The village community should be the whole body of erf 
or lot holders, and they should be allowed to elect a village 
board of management, each erf entitling to one vote, but no 
one individual having more than two votes. The village 
board of management should be recognised by the Govern- 
ment as a corporate body, and should have full charge of the 
management of the affairs of the community as regards water 
supply regulations, sanitary arrangements, levying local 
rates for improvements, &c, and general powers of local 
government. For improved water supply, or construction of 
dams or water-works, &c, the village board of management 
should prepare plans, and if strong enough financially they 
should have power to construct these works, and borrow 
money for this purpose from Government or others, and levy 
rates to pay interest and sinking funds, 



THE LAND 191 

If a village board of management considered it beneficial 
to construct any such works, it could lay the plans before 
the Government with estimates of costs, &c, and if the 
Government, through the Minister or Board of Agriculture, 
approved, the Government should advance money on the 
pound for pound principle to the village board of manage- 
ment, and thus assist in providing funds for the work. The 
Government should charge six per cent, interest, two per cent, 
being for sinking fund. In the case of large irrigation works, 
where it is impossible for even the combined financial resources 
of the local community to be able to pay half the cost, the 
Government, on finding the scheme one of permanent utility 
and advantage, should construct the works itself. 

Besides the construction of dams, water-courses and other 
irrigation works, and the ordinary requirements of the village, 
such as streets, etc., village communities, through their boards 
of management, should be encouraged to establish village 
creameries, fruit-preserving works, and other industrial re- 
quirements. These, of course, could only be undertaken 
when the community would be rich enough to provide the 
necessary capital for the purpose, either out of its own funds 
or by borrowing on the security of its revenues. No further 
help should be given by the Government than that required 
for the initial establishment of the village, and the provision 
of the water supply. At the same time there should be no 
restriction of individual enterprise in these industrial pursuits. 
A number of building sites or stands should be surveyed off 
for each village, according to the regulations to be approved 
of by Government from time to time, and these should be 
sold in the usual manner which has prevailed in the past in 
both the Transvaal and Orange Free State— that is, on a 
system of ninety-nine years' leases subject to a monthly 
stand licence ; half of the licence moneys should go to the 
Government, and the other half to the village community. 
At the end of the ninety-nine years the stands should revert 
back to the village community and to the Government jointly, 
and the leases should then be renewed to the holders on 
terms which might then appear equitable in accordance with 
the increased prosperity of the community. The proceeds 



i 9 2 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

of all such renewals should go one-half to the Government 
and the other half to the village community. This system 
of village communities owning lands in common was practi- 
cally in use under the late Free State Government. Either 
in the case of the stands or in the case of the gardening or 
farming lots with grazing rights attached, there should be 
no further sub-divisions permitted, and transfers should only 
be passed in accordance with this provision. 

If it were the case that private enterprise had not estab- 
lished creameries or other industrial factories necessary to 
the community, the village board of management would then 
be in a position to establish them for themselves, and there 
can be no doubt but that such a system would be of great 
use, not only in stimulating production, but in improving the 
quality of the products. The mere fact of new progressive 
farming communities being established on sound economic 
lines would tempt both capital and labour, and with the 
enormous purchasing power of the mining population which 
would arise all over the country in addition to that great 
hive of industry, Johannesburg, there need be no fear of 
failing markets. For years to come, the agricultural pro- 
duction is almost certain to fall short of the requirements 
of the country. 

In addition to the assistance afforded to village com- 
munities, the Government should encourage private irrigation 
schemes by granting every facility under the law for their 
advancement. Streams carrying sufficient water should be 
proclaimed available for irrigation purposes, right of access 
over other owners' property for the laying out of water- 
furrows should be made compulsory, as well as the right 
of using any wood or other material from the ground 
adjacent to the proposed works. 

Where private parties or companies take up a large 
proposition for irrigation, and are desirous of having Govern- 
ment financial assistance, secured by mortgage on the pro- 
perty, such assistance should be available, on the pound for 
pound principle, after their plans have been approved of 
by the Government, provided that at least one-half of the 
irrigated land secured by such a scheme shall be offered 



THE LAND 193 

to settlers on similar terms as those sketched out for village 
communities. 

On all irrigation works to which Government aid is 
given, the Government should stipulate that, as far as 
possible, unemployed farmers who have lost all their property 
in the War should be employed. 

Features and Reforms. 

In regard to Government lands, lands acquired by Govern- 
ment under the valuation clause of the suggested new land 
laws, lands falling to Government under foreclosed mort- 
gages, and in cases where there are no heirs : in respect 
of all lands coming under the Government's control, a 
similar method of settlement to that of the village com- 
munities could be established, with any modifications which 
the Government might find advisable ; for instance, some 
of the lands could be settled on the village community 
system, and others could be sold on easy terms to individual 
applicants. In all these cases the Government could make the 
conditions of tenure partly in respect of cash payments, and 
partly in respect of services to be rendered by the settlers. 
The Government should reserve at least one-half of their 
lands for settlement by special settlers who would undertake to 
serve the Government in performing part of the police duties 
of the country, and holding themselves available for military 
purposes whenever called upon. This subject will be more 
fully dealt with in the succeeding chapter on Immigration. 

A final evil of the present land system of the Transvaal 
and its sister colony may be noted ; that is, the excessive 
subdivision of the land brought about by the old laws of 
succession. On the death of the owner, the land he owned 
was at once divided among his heirs, the result being that 
in the course of a few generations it got divided up into 
portions too small to maintain a family in decency and 
comfort. As Lord Kitchener has promised the Boer people 
that they will be allowed to follow their ancient customs as 
far as possible undisturbed, it may be unwise to make any 
drastic alteration in the prevailing system, even although 

N 



194 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



it might be to the direct benefit of the Boers themselves ; 
but the laws should be altered in so far that an owner of 
land may, if he chooses, bequeath all his land to one or 
more of his family, providing for the others as he may 
deem advisable. If this permissive law were established, 
many of the more enlightened among the Boers would, no 
doubt, take advantage of it, and, by securing other positions 
for their younger children during their lifetime, they could 
leave the land intact to the eldest or other son as they 
might find just. 

Another pressing question is the reform of the laws 
regarding the recovery of debt. Nothing has tended more 
to the impoverishment of the farmer and the consequent 
retrogression of agriculture than the credit system which 
prevails. The Boers are encouraged to buy far beyond their 
means and far beyond their requirements, and in the course 
of a few years many of them have to mortgage their farms to 
the storekeeper, and many become bankrupt. Imprisonment 
for debt should be absolutely abolished, as it is in Scotland, 
and the principle of the American Homestead Act should 
be adopted, which provides that neither a man's homestead 
nor his agricultural implements can be seized. In America 
it is unlawful to execute a process on goods unless 300 
dollars in gold are first secured to the debtor. 



CHAPTER XII 

IMMIGRATION 

One of the problems which will demand the immediate 
attention of the new Government is that of immigration. 
If it is desired to permanently connect the future people of 
South Africa with Great Britain in habit, language, and 
loyalty, no time must be lost in devising means for the 
settlement of people of British race in the country. Without 
any State interference there is bound to be an influx of a 
great industrial population immediately after the War, but 
something more is required than the immigration of artisans 
and workers for the mines. It will be necessary to fix 
strong, healthy communities on the land itself. 

It must be remembered that the Boers will long retain 
a predominant position in regard to the land, and although 
as a race they have proved themselves useful settlers in their 
own way, the new conditions under which the county will 
find itself will demand the admission to agricultural enterprise 
of men with greater energy and resource. Mr. George 
Farrar, speaking at Newport Pagnell recently, truly re- 
marked that an emigration scheme would be a certain 
insurance against war in the future. The problem of how 
this is to be brought about effectually is not so difficult as 
it may at first sight appear. 

It has been shown in the last chapter that land is plentiful ; 

but it is not all suitable, and the greater part of that which 

is suitable will not be immediately available. It would be 

at once unfair and unwise to take any unduly hard measures 

against the Dutch population who may have legally forfeited 

their rights to their farms through non-payment of interest 

on loans, or in some cases the loans themselves or other 

dues they might owe the Government. No doubt time will 

19s 



196 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



be given to all these people to enable them to gather together 
the scattered remnants of their fortune and commence life 
again with a fair prospect of pulling through successfully. 
There will doubtless be a number of farms forfeited on 
account of wrongful acts during the War, but these may 
also be left out of account meantime for the reason that the 
Government lands on the high veld and middle veld will be 
sufficient to provide for a fairly large colonisation scheme. 1 
Later, many farms will be offered for sale whose owners have 
died during the War, in compliance with the Dutch law of 
inheritance. 

Besides these Government lands there are enormous 
areas held by the great land companies. It should be possible 
for the Government to devise some plan whereby these com- 
panies would be induced to offer their lands for settlement 
on easy terms. This could be done through the agency of 
a Government Immigration Department. It could be ordered 
that all the areas offered to Government should be free from 
the land tax. The " easy " terms, which should gain this 
exemption from taxation, should be an extremely moderate 
rental for a fixed number of years ; each lease carrying with 
it the right of option of purchase at a fixed sum during the 
first year's tenure of the lease, and this sum should be made 
payable in three or four yearly instalments. Each propo- 
sition should first be approved by the Agricultural Depart- 
ment. Such exemption from the land tax could also be 
extended to Boer or other owners who similarly register 
portions of their lands with the Government Immigration 
Department, offering the same easy terms. The owners and 
land companies should be allowed to retain the contingent 
benefits as to minerals, and the Government should retain 
the same rights in the case of Crown lands. Many land 
companies would gladly avail themselves of this method of 
encouraging settlement on their lands ; the remaining portions, 
which they would retain for themselves, would greatly increase 
in value as occupation proceeded. Such a registration of lands 
offered for settlement should be terminable by the owner on 
giving three months' notice. By this means, provided the 

1 See Appendix G. 



IMMIGRATION 197 

Immigration Board took care that only lands were registered 
which would be likely to attract suitable settlers, there is little 
doubt that large areas of good land would soon be available. 
All Government lands and all these lands offered for settle- 
ment through the Government Immigration Board should 
first be offered to settlers of a special class — those who 
would be willing to serve the Government, and more especi- 
ally those who would hold themselves liable for military 
service. The land available for settlement, including Govern- 
ment lands and the lands offered by the method just de- 
scribed, would be of the most varied description, suitable for 
market-gardening, fruit-growing, agriculture, and mixed farm- 
ing of agricultural and stock-raising pastoral ; and enormous 
areas would be suitable for the raising of tropical products. 1 

Scheme of Settlement. 

The Government should make a start immediately by 
compiling a list of all Government lands and having reports 
made on the more easily available properties by agricultural 
experts familiar with South African conditions. The best 
and most favourably situated areas should at once be sur- 
veyed into suitable lots ; lands capable of irrigation and near 
the towns being divided into smaller portions than those 
farther afield. In the case of irrigation land being divided 
up for village settlements, care should be taken that there is 
sufficient commonage land provided with each settlement to 
support the stock of the settlers. The area»of commonage 
should not fall short of the proportion which expert opinion 
may consider necessary. Where the area of land is small 
it should not be divided but given out to an individual settler. 
As soon as a number of farms have been surveyed and the 
proposed settlements marked out they should be advertised 
in the Government Gazette, giving in each case a short 
description of the property, the area, and the capabilities, 
as also the conditions on which the land may be obtained. 
The conditions on which the farms should first be offered 
should be framed to secure certain obligations from the 

1 See Appendix G. 



198 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

settler ; those which were drawn up by Mr. W. P. Fraser 
in his proposals for the land settlement in Bechuanaland in 
1895 seem to be peculiarly suitable. Mr. Fraser's proposals 
accompanied the report by Sir Charles Warren in that year. 
The principal conditions which he then proposed were as 
follows : — 

" Each settler should be obliged to occupy his farm personally 
during not less than nine months in each year. 

"Each settler should be obliged to assist in a civil and military 
sense in the maintenance of law and order, and should be liable to 
be called upon at any time for personal service, when he must appear 
with horse, saddle, bridle, rifle, and fifty rounds of ammunition, and 
with food for seven days. 

" No substitute to be accepted except in case of sickness or any 
other cause deemed valid by the commanding officer, when the 
settler remains responsible for the actions of his substitute. 

"Each settler should receive on entering upon his farm a 
serviceable horse, saddle, bridle, rifle, saddle-bags, accoutrements, 
and fifty rounds of ammunition, with one tent for each married 
man (settler), and one tent for each two unmarried men. These 
articles to be charged to the settler at a fair valuation, and the cost 
thereof to be registered against the grant to his farm, and to remain 
as a first charge upon it. The sum must be repaid to Government 
at the end of the term of five years, and before clear title-deeds to 
his land should be granted to him. 

"During the first six months settlers should receive rations, 
married men double rations, without charge. _ At the end of this 
time rations would cease, the settler being now in a position to have 
obtained a first yield from the ground. Those living at an incon- 
venient distance should be allowed to commute for rations and to 
draw the cost value thereof. 

" By the end of the first six months the settler must have con- 
structed a temporary dwelling-place for himself, with shelter for 
horse and Kaffirs, being of suitable dimensions, and which may be 
of grass, reeds, iron, or canvas, such as his circumstances may afford. 

" By the end of the second year the settler must have begun, 
and by the end of the third year must have completed, a substantial 
dwelling-house, properly roofed, of not less dimensions than 15 
feet by 35 feet internal measurement, and of not less than 9 feet 
in height to the eaves. If of stone the walls must be not less than 
18 inches, and if of burned brick not less than 14 inches in thick- 
ness. If constructed of iron or other materials, or in another form, 
the house must not be of less value than ^300." 

Over and above these conditions there should be others 
framed according to the class of farming suitable for each 



IMMIGRATION 199 

class of farms or allotments. These should secure that certain 
works should be done and that certain results should be 
obtained within a given period of time as a proof of bond fide 
beneficial occupation. The following general clause from 
Mr. Fraser's report would be specially applicable : — 

"Settlers, upon assigning valid reasons, may, upon approval of 
the commanding officer, receive special leave of absence, for such 
purposes as transport riding, trading, visiting markets, and on account 
of unusual drought, but only at such times when their services may 
not be required for police and military duty. 

" Settlers who have, during the first two years' occupation, re- 
ceived certificates from the officers appointed for the purpose, that the 
conditions of tenure have been complied with, and yet who, through 
illness, necessity of removal, or upon assigning such valid reasons as 
the officer commanding upon the recommendation of the inspector 
may accept, and may desire to remove, should be at liberty to dis- 
pose of their rights to any suitable person who may be found pos- 
sessed of the necessary qualifications, and who is prepared to sign 
the usual conditions. Such incoming settler, upon acceptance by 
the officer commanding, will enter upon the rights and responsi- 
bilities of his predecessor. 

"Settlers who have not fulfilled the conditions they have ac- 
cepted, and who, upon a report from the inspector to that effect, it 
may appear are not farming in a bona fide manner, may be liable to 
a cancellation of their rights upon an order from the officer com- 
manding. [This should be subject to confirmation by the adminis- 
trator.— W. B.] 

" The evicted settler may claim compensation for unexhausted 
improvements, and after a valuation thereof by the inspector, the 
occupation right should be put to auction and sold to the highest 
bidder possessing the necessary qualification, and who must con- 
form to the conditions required of the outgoing settler. 

" The evicted settler should not be entitled to receive any sur- 
plus above the valuation of unexhausted improvements which the 
occupation right may realise. 

" Settlers who through illness, calamity, enforced absence, extra 
police or military duties, or from any other sources may have been 
unable to fulfil all the conditions of tenure laid upon them, may 
apply to the officer commanding for an extension of time, and the 
officer commanding may grant a reasonable extension of the time 
for fulfilment of conditions. 

" Security of Te?iure and Immunities. 

" Upon taking possession of his farm, the settler should receive 
a form of grant, with conditions of occupation attached and accom- 
panied by an inspection report, in conformity with local customs, 



200 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



which documents should be registered in the usual way in the 
Registrar of Deeds Office, where duplicates can always be seen. 

" The grant should not be subject to mortgage, bond, deed of 
cession, or lien, nor should it or any of the settler's animals or 
articles, as hereinafter specified, be subject to any form of chattel 
mortgage or underhand security or agreement whatever, and any 
such security or agreement should be invalid and have no force in 
law. 

"For a further period of five years after the close of the first 
term of occupation, the farm and the homestead of each settler, 
together with certain of the following animals and articles, should be 
exempt from execution for debts incurred within and without this 
colony, provided only that during the second term of five years the 
said settler shall continue personally to occupy his farm : — 

i horse, rifle, saddle, accoutrements, and tent, 
i waggon. 
i cow. 
8 oxen. 
20 sheep and goats. 
25 poultry. 

4 muids of grain or meal. 
Household furniture, agricultural implements to a given 
maximum value. 

But at any time during the second term of five years an interdict 
may be obtainable prohibiting the transfer or mortgage of said farm 
before the lapse of the full time, the said second term of five years, 
at which date the property should become subject to the general 
laws of the land." 

It will be noticed that the last provisions of these regu- 
lations apply in a restricted measure the principle of the 
American Homestead Act. In addition to rations it would 
probably be advisable for the new Government to pay settlers 
willing to do special police duty in their various districts 
reduced rates of police pay for the first one or two years. 



Class of Settlers. 

The next point to be considered is the class of settlers 
to be encouraged and the best means of encouragement. 
For the immediate purpose of the Government the best 
class of men is the same as that recommended by Mr. 
Fraser in 1895 : u A body of men accustomed to colonial 
pursuits and more or less trained in colonial warfare, who 



IMMIGRATION 201 

will hold land under civil and military tenure, and be at all 
times liable to be called upon to perform police or military 
service until the term of conditional tenure shall have been 
exchanged for a Government grant." Absolute new comers 
to the country should put in, if possible, a probationary period 
of a few months, during which they should seek employment 
and get accustomed to the conditions of the country. This 
applies even to those possessed of some capital. 

The methods of encouragement and selection which Mr. 
Fraser recommends are : — 

" To ascertain the accurate number of suitable applicants, their 
general character, and the nature of their resources ; 
always bearing in mind that the settler whose record 
and credit are of such a nature that he can obtain cattle 
or sheep upon credit, or (according to local custom) 
upon a share of the increase, can show a more tangible 
guarantee for the future welfare of the country than a 
man with money only. 
" The aim should be : — 

u (a) To jive a requisite amount of information to intending 
settlers in order to induce the class most desirable to 
make application. 

" (b) To obtain a class of settlers capable at an early date of 
self-government. 

" (c) To obtain men possessing stock or means, and by making 
the country an exporter of cattle and produce, to render 
it self-supporting. 

" (d) To ensure a bona-fide occupation of ground by the actual 
settler, and to check the placing of substitutes on the 
ground by land speculators who may have the intent 
of gaining possession of the ground upon the expiry of 
the term of tenure. 

" (e) To obtain a certificate of character (for the private in- 
formation of the Immigration Board only) of every 
applicant, in order that the allocation of farms may be 
made with a view to the desired result." 

In addition to these, in the case of applicants from over 
sea, the certificates should be signed by the officer command- 



202 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



ing their former regiments or by some other civil or military 
authority of this country or of the country from which the 
applicant has come. In the case of Government land, it 
would in every case be advisable to grant the first ioo 
morgen free, with a moderate price for every additional ioo 
morgen. In the selection of applicants, those who fought in 
the War should always be granted the first chance, and as far 
as possible the first selection of the land. These of course 
include the Yeomanry, Cape Colonials, Natal, and other 
Colonials and time-expired men from the regular service. In 
other cases the preference should be given to married men 
and those who appear to possess the best qualities for 
success, not only in the way of personal suitability, but also 
in their possessing stock or other agricultural equipment. If 
some such scheme of colonisation, carefully thought out by 
experts who know the country and the conditions of its 
agricultural success, is instituted without delay, the Govern- 
ment will secure immediately a great number of the most 
valuable citizens for the new colonies, men who will in them- 
selves form a bulwark for British civilisation, who at the 
beginning will save the Government the large expenditure for 
police which would otherwise be necessary, and who would 
eventually raise up a hardy, prosperous, white population 
which will gradually blend with the old inhabitants and 
secure in the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies a people 
closely identified in race and tradition with all that is best in 
the Anglo-Saxon. 

Besides these settlers on land, the new Government 
would also do well to encourage the immigration of certain 
other classes by means of a limited number of assisted 
passages. To guide and control this system properly the 
Government Immigration Board should open a register where 
employers could register with the Government their require- 
ments for any particular class of labour, and according as the 
registered requirements rose or fell, so should the Govern- 
ment restrict or increase the number of assisted passages 
which it might grant. The Government should also 
advertise at home the rates of pay ruling from time to 
time, the conditions on which assisted passages would be 



IMMIGRATION 203 

given, and any other information likely to be of use to 
intending immigrants. 1 The conditions should be similar to 
those in use in the Cape Colony and Natal. The Cape 
Colony pays half of the third-class fare of mechanics, 
artisans, and skilled workmen from England and domestic 
servants from St. Helena. 2 The classes most in demand in 
South Africa in the past have been female domestic servants, 
mechanics, skilled- labourers, and, if the land settlement be 
effected on the plan now proposed, or on other and perhaps 
better plans which may be thought out, there will be a 
considerable demand for agricultural labourers. 

In Appendix K will be found a paper on Immigration in 
Natal by W. P. Fraser, Esq., in which there are many useful 
suggestions which would be equally applicable to the Trans- 
vaal and Orange River Colonies. Mr. Fraser discusses the 
best means of promoting immigration and securing permanent 
colonists of both sexes, and the difficulties that stand in the 
way. In the case of female domestic servants, he advocates 
co-operation between the Church and the Government. He 
gives the key-note to his paper as follows : — " I feel that our 
interests in South Africa are not safe unless and until some 
25,000 additional Anglo-Saxons and British Colonial settlers 
are placed upon and identified with the land, and I perceive 
that many anxious questions will then settle themselves." 

The Union-Castle Company's book states : — " During the 
six years ending December 1896, the excess of arrivals 
over departures at Cape Colony ports (naval and military 
not included) was 59,886, practically all of whom were 
Europeans. During 1895 some 26,000 emigrants left 
England for South Africa, and during 1896 the number 
increased to 36,000. Of these, 5751 and 11,246 re- 
spectively were foreigners from Europe. During the years 
1893-96 the emigrants to South Africa have outnumbered 
those to Australia, and during 1895 and 1896 they 
exceeded the departures to British North America by 3600 
and 13,250." 

1 In Appendix L will be found a list of the average wages paid to workmen 
in the mines. 

2 Union-Castle Company's Guide-Book. 



204 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

The only great experiment in State-aided immigration 
into South Africa in the past was the landing at Port 
Elizabeth of something over 3000 emigrants from England, 
who were brought out at the expense of the British Govern- 
ment. They were each allowed 100 acres of miserable land, 
but they quickly realised that their life, as proposed by the 
Government, meant starvation, and they pushed into the 
interior speedily, and began to carve out fortunes of their 
own. During the severe frontier wars with the Kaffirs, 
these men and their descendants proved themselves hardy, 
reliable colonists, not afraid to fight for their homes and 
liberties, and to-day their descendants have made the eastern 
province the most loyal and progressive section of the Cape 
Colony. The British Government, through its representatives 
who will form the new Government of the Transvaal, will do 
well to^take note of the history of these eastern province 
settlers! and devise means of securing similar and greater 
results without entailing the unnecessary hardships that had 
to be endured by these early pioneers. In the district west 
of Krugersdorp there are about thirty English families 
settled on the land. These survived the troublous times of 
the 1 88 1 war, and furnish an example of successful Trans- 
vaal colonisation. They are now all prosperous, and some 
of them are wealthy farmers. 

There will be plenty of applicants for the proposed settle- 
ments. 1 Already the Australian papers are expressing the fear 
that an undue number of the Volunteers whom they sent to the 
War will be inclined to stay in the country. They have been 
writing home about its magnificent agricultural and mineral 
resources. It is quite possible that the Australian Government 
will take measures to prevent any alarming exodus, but re- 
striction or not, it is certain that there will be a great influx 
of new settlers from all the colonies whose sons have come 
to fight, and who now desire to stay. They have seen the 
capabilities of the land and got used to its climate and mode 
of life, and as with nearly all who try, they are reluctant to 

1 Reprints in pamphlet form of articles upon the subject of South African 
Immigration, which appeared in South Africa, will be found of service to 
intending emigrants. 



IMMIGRATION 205 

leave the country. It is the same with the Yeomanry and 
the Reserve men sent from England ; hundreds and thousands 
would willingly stay if only given the opportunity. 

Some criticism of capitalists has appeared in this book 
and more is to follow, but there are some good examples 
among South African millionaires. Many feel that it is 
their duty to put their shoulder to the wheel and help 
towards the settlement of the country. A group of them, it 
is reported, are willing to provide several millions for the 
purpose of bringing out emigrants, buying suitable land, and 
advancing them sufficient money to make a start. The 
settlers would have the option of purchasing the farms on 
which they would be settled. In the meantime they would 
only be asked to pay 4 per cent, on the capital expended in 
purchasing the land and necessary equipment. The one 
condition spoken of is a Government guarantee of 2\ per 
cent, on the capital so employed ; of course the Govern- 
ment having supervision of the settlement and enjoying the 
services of the settlers for military defence if required. 



CHAPTER XIII 

THE UITLANDER PEOPLE 

The Uitlander people of the Transvaal, Uitlander no longer, 
have undergone more misrepresentation from friend and foe 
than probably any other people of the last century. After 
the Jameson raid, many of the people of England, and even 
of Cape Colony, in total ignorance of the true facts, threw 
the epithets cowards, money-grubs, and speculators, Judas 
burghers, &c, at the heads of the people of the Rand in a 
way which caused many to grind their teeth with rage. To 
this day some extremists at home seem to be under the 
impression that the Englishman of Johannesburg possesses 
every vice and lacks every virtue ; that by merely travers- 
ing seven thousand miles of sea and land he changes his 
character irrecoverably for the worse, and begins straight- 
way a life of selfishness and luxury ; that he has neither 
courage nor principles. Well may South Africa cry out 
against this unctuous rectitude. It is fortunate that the 
great body of the people of England, having learned the 
truth, have the heart ready in sympathy for their fellows, 
and the mind above the narrow meanness these Pharisaic 
judges are never tired of showing. How many of them 
have risked their lives for the honour of their country ? 
They have sat at home wailing over the unrighteousness 
of their people, saying to each other, " Thank God we are not 
like other men." They have sent out scribes with the ex- 
press mission of belittling and be-smudging, against every 
evidence, the character of their fellow-countrymen, and un- 
duly extolling that of their country's enemies. Nor do 
their South African brothers stand alone in their sin, in the 
eyes of these men. The soldiers of the King are slandered 

and vilified. Any lie that is sent home is greedily swallowed 

206 



THE UITLANDER PEOPLE 207 

provided it says enough of evil, and thereby fattens their 
heads with unctuousness. 

The Boer who has fought by the side of his people man- 
fully, even in what he may have known was a mistaken 
cause, is worthy of all respect. He has done his duty 
to his race, but as for the anti-English Englishmen who 
seem to hold England's enemies as their only friends, it 
appears that the sooner they find a country and a people 
more to their mind the better it will be for England. 

They might try Russia or Turkey. The Transvaal at 
present would hardly suit them. The fighting Boers might 
be unkind. They apply the sjambok, 1 and apply it unmer- 
cifully, and with much less cause or justice, to the men 
whom they look upon as their own little Transvaalers, those 
who, having fought well for a year perhaps, have now given 
up the struggle. They sometimes even shoot them. The 
Boer has scant sympathy for those who are neither cold 
nor hot. 

The truth is that the Englishmen of the Transvaal in 
general, and of Johannesburg and the Rand in particular, 
are pretty much the same as their fellow-countrymen at 
home, certainly no worse, and certainly with quite as much 
energy and industry. 

The less enterprising individuals as a rule stay at home, 
and those useless ones who do seek a colony, either from 
inclination or necessity, on finding themselves stranded in- 
variably do their best to drift back again to the old country. 

Johannesburg, far from being the terrible place it has 
been represented to be, is perhaps as good in morals as 
many English manufacturing towns. Ask the ministers of 
religion if their churches are not well filled ; ask the phil- 
anthropists and teachers if they ever appealed to the Rand 
public for any cause of charity or benevolence in vain. Live 
in the town itself, and mark the almost total absence of 
drunkenness on the part of the white people ; drunkenness 
among the blacks was permitted by Paul Kruger in face of 
the continual protests of the whites. Look at the homes of 
Englishmen on the Rand, and you will find them for the 

1 Sjambok = thong of raw hide. 



208 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



most part comfortable, certainly, but not luxurious. All 
the decencies and many of the elevating influences of life 
are observed and cultivated. Churches, libraries, hospitals, 
schools, 1 built and endowed by the Uitlander himself. 
Societies for the promotion of technical and scientific re- 
search are all existent and flourishing. 

At night there are but few hooligans prowling around ; 
the people are too busy and too tired with hard work to 
spend much of their time in fast life. Even the millionaires, 
with a solitary exception here and there, live plain lives ; 
they come and go among the people like ordinary men, 
with neither pomp, nor circumstance, nor pride. A Rand 
millionaire thinks it no disgrace to shake the hand of a 
workman on his mine. 

Let any who may have doubts come to Johannesburg 
and walk along the Rand, and see for themselves the immense 
engineering workshops, the headgears, the engine-rooms, the 
cyanide works ; see the men hard at work from seven in 
the morning till the sun goes down at night — no working- 
week-days are taken for football matches there — and they will 
then believe that gold getting on the Rand is not done by 
men such as they have imagined, but by a race of workers 
who earn their living by the sweat of their brow, an example 
of industry and energy which might edify and enlighten their 
brother Boers, and, for that matter, some of their brother 
Englishmen. Mining for gold is no more sinful than making 
chocolate or caustic soda. Sir William Harcourt describes 
Mr. Healy's term for Johannesburg, the " New Jerusalem," as 
being of admirable wit. It is questionable both as to accuracy 
and taste. The Rand can compare with the great industrial 
centres at home ; and it presents scenes of activity similar to 
the shipbuilding yards of Glasgow or the ironworks of Birming- 
ham or Sheffield. The works of the mines are monuments of 
industry in which any community might well feel pride. And 
as it is with the Rand Englishman, so it is with the Rand 

1 At the end of 1898 £100,000 had been contributed by the mines and the 
leading firms for the establishment of schools, and a guarantee of £19,000 a 
year towards their support for three years has been given by the mines. By the 
following June £138,000 had been received in subscriptions, and £99,002 in 
donations. 




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THE UITLANDER PEOPLE 209 

American, and German, and Frenchman, and Scandinavian. 
The Americans as a class represent the best of the engineer- 
ing skill of their country ; many of them have shown their 
sense of the justice of the War by fighting side by side with 
the English soldiers. Major Seymour, a man of the greatest 
gifts of character and genius, gave up his life in the cause, 
and many others beside him. 1 

The ranks of the Railway Pioneer Regiment, the work- 
ing soldiers of the Rand, held many Americans ; they proved 
their worth throughout the War as well on the field of battle 
as on the bridge. Many joined the Uitlander corps when 
they were first formed, and the Imperial Light Horse, 
Remington's Guides, Thorneycroft's, Bethune's, Roberts's, 
Kitchener's, South African Light Horse, Brabant's Colonial 
Division, and other regiments of scouts and guides, some of 
which were more than half comprised of Rand men, and all 
had Americans in numbers. They have shown in their ranks 
the unity of Uitlander feeling and the quality of Uitlander 
courage. Nor was this spirit confined to Englishmen and 
Americans ; numbers of Germans, French, Swedes, and 
Norwegians, not so great, but still representative, played their 
parts as men in the War. Nor is it cause for wonder to 
those who know the Rand ; as in peace, so in war. In peace 
the very work of the mines demands not only industry and 
skill, but courage and presence of mind in the face of constant 
danger. The casualty list in time of peace, notwithstanding 
every precaution, records three maimed or killed every day 
in the year. 2 

The merchants are keen and enterprising, and, in face of 

1 Among the prominent Rand men whom the writer recalls as having fallen 
or been wounded in the War are Colonels Doveton and Laing, Major Seymour, 
and Lieutenants Adams, Clements, G. A. Ferrand, and Gorton, all killed in 
action ; Major Dodd died of enteric ; Lieutenant Mullins injured for life, and 
awarded the V.C. ; Colonel Wools Sampson and Major Karri Davies wounded at 
Wagon Hill ; and there are hundreds of others personally unknown to the writer. 
Of those killed, referred to above, two were Americans. Sir Alfred Milner 
estimated in February 1901 there were 10,000 Uitlanders in the field. 

- The State Mining Engineer reports that in 1898 there were 982 casualties on 
mines in the Transvaal, or an average of rather more than three for every working 
day of the year. Of the total number injured, 202 were white men, 60 being 
killed, 77 severely wounded, and 65 slightly wounded ; 780 were Kaffirs, of whom 
371 were killed, 220 were severely wounded, and 189 were slightly wounded. In 
1897 the total casualties were 863. 

O 



210 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

great burdens of taxation and railway rates, they used to 
feed and clothe Johannesburg at as little extra cost as was 
possible under the circumstances. 

There were two classes which were undesirable, and 
which attained to great but baneful influence solely in conse- 
quence of the protection afforded them by corrupt administra- 
tion under the late Government ; one was the class of illicit 
gold buyers, the other the illicit sellers of drink to natives. 
Many of these men rolled in luxury and openly boasted their 
defiance of the law. They were responsible for a great part 
of the crime of the district and most of the vice. They 
formed the majority of the residue of the population left on 
the Rand after war was declared ; they are beginning to 
learn from Major O'Brien in the Court of the Military 
Tribunal of Johannesburg that their career is over ; and 
it is to be hoped for the good of the community that they 
will seek their way of life elsewhere. 

To avoid misapprehension, it is not intended to be con- 
veyed that all the people left on the Rand when war broke 
out were undesirables ; on the contrary, many were loyal 
English men and women who had to stay in the interests of 
their employers and others to avoid absolute ruin, and others 
because for one reason or another they could not go away. 
There were besides many foreigners of eminent respectability 
who stayed as subjects of neutral powers. 

Besides the inhabitants of the towns, merchants, workers, 
and professional men, there were many Uitlanders who re- 
sided in the country districts, and carried on the business of 
storekeepers, tradesmen, blacksmiths, waggon builders, &c, a 
most useful class in the country, as were also a final class of 
Uitlander farmers who were gradually introducing farming in 
its proper sense to the country, Germans, Americans, Eng- 
lishmen, Scotchmen, Irishmen, who tilled the ground for a 
living, sometimes with failure, owing to want of experience 
or bad luck in seasons or situation, but more often with 
pronounced success. They were set around in the country, 
true beacon lights of industry. 

Such were the Uitlanders of the Transvaal. In the past 
all these people were overtaxed and unfairly taxed and 



THE UITLANDER PEOPLE 211 

treated in political matters as inferiors. Their aims and 
ambitions now will be the same as they were before the War — 
to gain the full privileges of British freemen. It will be the 
duty of the new Government to advance their claims in the 
best and speediest manner, and to readjust taxation so that 
any undue burden will be a thing of the past ; to so order 
things that full advantage may be taken of their good-will 
and loyalty and their industry and energy. Many of them 
have been totally ruined by the War ; expelled at a moment's 
notice from their homes and scattered widecast over the 
world, their goods and belongings left to be plundered. 

Many were supported by the funds supplied by their 
richer fellows of the Rand, aided by large contributions from 
England ; but all these would not have sufficed to keep thou- 
sands from starvation had the great majority not entered the 
ranks and fought, thereby not only acting for the honour of 
their country, but at the same time gaining the wherewithal 
to support their families. As soon as the recent extensive 
recruiting for the irregular corps was announced the pressure 
at the coast towns was relieved. 

After a year's campaigning, when the War seemed to be 
over, some of the irregular corps were brought in to Pretoria 
to receive their discharge, which they had been told would 
be granted to all the men who so desired. A day or two 
later this was revoked abruptly and with scant courtesy. 
The understanding all along had been that those who had 
fought their way up would be among the first to be allowed 
to return to the Rand. One corps was marched through 
Johannesburg and camped on the racecourse, and the men 
were refused leave to go and look at their homes. Even 
when they were discharged later, many were compelled 
to go to Cape Town or Durban, or the place where they 
enlisted. Meanwhile profits in trade and military contracts 
were falling to time-servers, enemies of England (this does 
not refer to Boers), who had remained behind and traded with 
the enemy. 

After being promised their discharge, the irregulars felt 
sore when it was withheld, and a dissatisfied feeling was 
aroused which by a little tact could have been avoided. 



212 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Had the men been given their discharge when it was 
promised, after spending a month or so with their friends 
and looking round, and finding there was little to do, nearly 
every one would have returned to fight the War to a finish ; 
this has been proved by the wiser policy since adopted. 
There is no lack of volunteers, nor will there ever be a lack, 
if the authorities only act with fairness and consideration. 

Then there was the proclamation demanding payment 
of claim and stand licences accrued during the War. It 
has been shown how unfair these licences are even in 
ordinary times, but the exaction of payment during the War 
was filling up the cup of injustice. 

Even the Boer Government recognised the fairness of 
the remission of licences and interest during the War, and 
provided for it by special Volksraad besluit (order). Instead 
of the undue haste to collect revenue, the military would 
have done well to have waited until civil government could 
be established, and the various circumstances duly considered. 
Many formerly well-to-do men of the Rand are ruined ; some 
have been robbed to the extent of over £20,000, and all 
have suffered in proportion to their fortunes. It can be 
imagined they are not in a mood to pay up what they con- 
sider unfair demands. To keep them in the ranks, and tell 
them they will have to pay arrears of unfair taxes, tends to 
make out loyalty an unpayable proposition in South Africa. 
Rather should the initial policy of the new administration 
have been on the lines recommended in the case of the 
ruined Boer population. 

Seeing that the country is rich enough itself to provide 
the necessary money, if it is properly administered, the right 
thing to do appears to be, to adequately compensate loyalists 
for what they have lost by their loyalty, and gain their 
hearty sympathy and support. The men who sacrificed their 
loyalty and saved their goods appear, so far, to have had the 

best of it. 

When the War is over, the Imperial Government need 
not fear any continued hostility to the Boer on the part of 
the Uitlanders ; they will be only too glad to forgive and 
forget. Many of them have intimate personal friends in the 



THE UITLANDER PEOPLE 213 

opposite camp. At Cronje's surrender, and on many other 
occasions, the spectacle was often seen of Boer and Uitlander 
shaking hands on the field of battle, with every evidence of 
kindly feeling, although an hour previously they had been 
each doing their best to kill. This feeling can be fostered 
and made a great force in the ultimate settlement of the 
country. 

The Uitlander population of the Transvaal before the 
War would be about 130,000, of which at least seventy-five 
per cent, were British, either from England or the Colonies. 
After the War the British population is certain to increase 
enormously, and in a few years' time it will not be far short 
of 500,000. Johannesburg will not surprise many if in ten 
years it alone has 500,000 inhabitants. The War has been 
a great advertisement. English yeomen, Australians, Cana- 
dians, New Zealanders, have been and have seen, and many 
will return to stay. There will be all the elements of energy, 
courage, and fair-mindedness which help to make a great 
people, and there will be no petty exclusiveness or tyranny 
over the Boers. 

This population, above all the gold and coal, the diamonds 
and the corn, may be considered, despite the Little Eng- 
enders, Great Britain's greatest resource in the Transvaal. 1 

1 There is still another class of people — the Arab and Parsee traders from 
Bombay and elsewhere. This trading class was rapidly becoming a power in the 
commercial life of the Transvaal until Mr. Kruger's Government passed a law 
compelling them to reside outside the towns. This was one of the causes of 
diplomatic argument with the Imperial Government. These people will now 
regain their rights as British subjects. They have a civilisation almost equal to 
our own, and, if some of them occasionally go bankrupt under peculiar circum- 
stances, they are, as a rule, peaceful, law-abiding citizens. There is no accusation 
against them of engaging in the illicit drink traffic. Many of the class of gold 
thieves and illicit drink sellers which Mr. Kruger's officials used to allow to 
flourish have far less claim to be considered white men than they. 






CHAPTER XIV 

THE BOER PEOPLE 

The extraordinary people who have been fighting against the 
forces of the Empire for the past sixteen months, and who 
even now refuse to give in, have shown in the struggle the 
chief characteristics of their race. They are the ultimate 
product of the process of evolution, which began when their 
ancestors first landed on the shores of Table Bay in 1652. 

The story of the Boer race in South Africa has been often 
told. In the early days of the settlement of the Cape Peninsula 
the greater number of the ancestors of the Boers were held in 
a state of subjection by the Dutch East India Company, and 
only a small proportion were considered as freemen, although 
many of the later arrivals were of good family. The first 
comers were not drawn from the best strains of Dutch blood, 
but if they had not the finer qualities of their race, they had 
all its characteristic obstinacy, and they soon began to show 
it. They revolted against the government of the Company ; 
no doubt with good cause. They quarrelled among them- 
selves, and began to wander away into the interior of the 
country, where they could follow their own bent without inter- 
ference. They hived off from the ordinary nineteenth- century 
civilisation, and founded one of their own ; and as the years 
went by they nursed their antagonism to social cohesion 
until it became a fixed quality of their nature. They carried 
their aversion beyond dislike of mere principles, and began 
to be unable to live in the presence of other white men. 
When the British bought the country for ;£6, 000,000 ster- 
ling and took over the government, they began to feel specially 
hustled in the presence of their brother Britons. And in 
justice it must be admitted that the hustling was not alto- 
gether imaginary. 

214 



THE BOER PEOPLE 215 

These feelings, brought about by many special grievances, 
such as the emancipation and inadequate or unjust compen- 
sation for their slaves, the affair at Slagters Nek, and other 
contributory causes, urged them forward on the great trek. 
Once the}? - had commenced the semi-nomadic life of the trek 
Boer, they soon lost many of the habits, customs, and 
ways of thought of other white races. They struck out in a 
divergent path which, if the world had been large enough, 
might have brought them where they would have eventually 
grown into a new, and possibly an important, branch of man- 
kind. But the time has gone past for the successful carrying 
out of such a destiny, and the world is too small. The 
Boers who trekked from the old colony have made a strong 
and gallant swim against the stream for three-quarters of a 
century, and now they are going under in sheer obstinacy. 
It will only be ordinary humanit}^ to stretch out a hand to 
save those who are still on the surface, and set them once 
more in a position of safety. 

Both the virtues and the failings of the Boers have been 
largely induced by the struggles they had to undergo in the 
wilderness, where they were surrounded by uncivilised tribes 
and wild animals. It is doubtful whether any other white 
race, after going through seventy years of isolation in the 
interior of a half-savage country, would have even done so 
well in maintaining the traditions of civilisation. For long 
years they had hardly any teachers or ministers of religion ; 
at the best they only visited a town, such as it was, once in 
six months. When the Jameson raid took place hundreds of 
burghers saw a large town for the first time in their lives, as 
they rode victorious through the streets of Johannesburg, after 
Dr. Jameson was captured. Under all these disadvantages 
they have proved themselves a force in South Africa which 
the British people have only conquered at enormous sacrifice. 
These qualities of overcoming difficulties, of disdaining all 
aid, and of stubbornly pushing on their own way in the 
world are characteristics which many feel bound to admire. 

If the Boer race were doomed to extinction it might 
even be a question for the philosopher and the student to 
ponder whether at that price the War had not cost too 



216 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

much. To the practical Britisher, while even that question 
admits of no uncertainty, still such a price if found neces- 
sary would be matter for the deepest regret. The white 
races seem to be tending towards amalgamation and assimila- 
tion rather than to further disintegration and divergence, 
and in view of the possible competition from both the 
Yellow man and the Black, it is perhaps as well that it is so. 
Still the qualities of determination and resource which the 
Boer has shown, his ready adaptation to a new environment, 
his capacity for vigorous growth and increase, under condi- 
tions which other men nowadays refuse to accept, brings 
the thought that such a race, slow going but of strong vitality, 
is more to be welcomed in these days of feverish, energy- 
using life than another of greater intellectual accomplishments 
and less staying power. 

The triumph of the head may after all be gained only at 
the expense of weakening the power of resistance to the 
natural and inevitable tendency to decadence which is mani- 
fested by all over-civilised peoples. The powerful bony 
frame of the Boer is not seen everywhere in the world. 
Some of the scenes one sees in the Transvaal in time of 
peace recall Sir Frederick Leighton's picture in the Royal 
Exchange of " Phoenicians Bartering with Ancient Britons." 
The Phoenicians are gone and the Britons remain. To-day 
perhaps the Briton might do well to cultivate some of the 
characteristics of the ancient type, of which the Boer is in 
some respects probably the closest living representation. 

But the Boer is not doomed to extinction. He has only 
been brought back into the camp of his fellows, and a wise 
Government will allow him to continue his way in life, and 
develop the good characteristics of his race for the benefit 
both of himself and his fellow-men. 

While the Boer has these qualities, which mankind in its 
present state cannot afford to disdain, he has others which 
give his detractors cause to speak. He seems to have a gift 
of twisting everything to his own particular way of vision. 
If facts are against him so much the worse for the facts, he 
can describe them in such a way that they are unrecognisable 
by others, who may also have been spectators. He magnifies 



THE BOER PEOPLE 217 

a small victory into a perfect slaughter of his enemies. He 
keeps up the courage of his fellows by force and colour of 
imagination. His patriotism is stronger than his oath, and 
although he has a certain sense of honour the code is peculiar. 
He is a very sophist in arguing to his own advantage, and 
convinces even himself in face of the most contrary evidence. 
He is religious in his own way, but it is the way of fatalism, 
based on the belief that he is of the chosen people. He is 
moral, but with a morality like that of many other men, in 
that its breaking point is found immediately it undergoes any 
moderate strain. He is hospitable, and it is perhaps his 
chief and most striking virtue. He is suspicious and cunning, 
but he is not revengeful nor usually cruel. Individual acts 
of cruelty may be recorded against him, but these are the 
exception and not the rule. It is true he has ruthlessly 
slaughtered thousands of Kaffirs, but he looks on them as of 
an inferior race, and the Kaffirs, on their part, were frequently 
cruel to him. He is not industrious, in that he leaves the 
cultivation of the land largely to the Kaffir, preferring himself 
to pursue the alternately laborious and lazy life of the trans- 
port rider. Until recent years he looked upon all innovations 
with suspicion ; he disliked railways, and was with difficulty 
persuaded to allow them to be built in his country. He will 
fight for an imaginary independence, and give away the best 
of his country to speculators, provided they tickle his vanity 
by telling him he belongs to a great nation, owning a great 
country, which they are desirous of helping to develop. He 
is shrewd in many things, and some of his methods are 
fashioned after the wisdom of Solomon. There is a story 
of how ex-President Kruger settled a land dispute. Two 
burghers, whose father had died, came to him one day and 
said that they could not agree about the division of their 
land, each thought the other was getting the advantage in 
the matter of water and irrigated portions. The old man 
said he would speedily settle the business for them, if they 
would agree to abide by his decision. They both agreed, 
and he then said, " Well, Jan, you are the elder, so you must 
divide the land ; go and divide it into two parts, and put up 
beacons, and then Andries, being the younger, shall have the 



218 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

choice which portion he will take." The matter was thus 
decided in a manner which insured fairness without the aid 
of arbitration or law courts. The Boer, strange as it may 
seem in face of the prolonged strife, has little attachment to 
any special farm or land on account of old association, but is 
quite ready to leave a farm where he may have resided half a 
lifetime and go and seek pastures new. It is his nomadic 
training, and the characteristic explains why he readily sells 
his farm to the gold-seeker and treks into the wilderness. 
He was content to go on year by year on primitive lines 
until the demand for farms revolutionised his daily life. It 
gave him in the early years of the goldfields luxuries of 
which he had previously only dreamed about. While his 
habits became more luxurious his mind remained stagnant, 
and he lost what little ambition he may have had for the 
industrial development of the land. Before the War he had 
spent what the early gold rushes brought to him without 
effort, and then, accustomed to a more expensive life, he 
began to mortgage his farms and other belongings. He failed 
to understand that he and his people were going back, and 
he began to trek into the towns, where he found new miseries 
awaiting him. His own Government saw the danger, but 
with the same obliquity of vision which it displayed in political 
matters, it only made matters worse by dipping into the 
public purse for large grants, which were disbursed in the 
form of mortgages and in individual doles. The consequence 
of this was that when war broke out, frequently the Boer had 
mortgaged his farm, either to the Government or to private 
persons, and in some instances he had become to all intents 
and purposes a State pauper. The War has completed what 
the old Government began. The country-side is laid bare, 
and no crops are being grown beyond a few patches along 
the railway lines and round about the garrison towns. More 
than half of the Boer population after the War will be ruined, 
and the new Government is face to face with a problem which 
will require the most careful consideration. 

In the introduction to this book it has been stated that 
the Boers deliberately determined to oust British civilisation 
from South Africa. To the inherited obstinacy of the Dutch- 




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THE BOER PEOPLE 219 

man had been added the induced characteristics of courage, 
cunning, and exclusiveness of the Boer brought out by the 
life in the wilderness, and to both of these had been added 
a new force in the vitalisation of the genius of the people 
through the education of the younger and more brilliant sons. 
The young Afrikander, with all the prejudices and semi-wild 
yearnings of his race, had attained, in many instances by 
means of English and European university education and 
training, to very considerable abilities, and he conceived and 
nourished a magnificent idea, that of utilising the powerful 
instincts of his people, unknown to others but known to him, 
to further a great ambition. The ambition was to found a 
great Boer people and hand down a great Afrikander heritage. 
The Boer leaders, or at least those of them who are straight- 
forward and honest, made and make no secret of this, nor 
need they, as it was quite a legitimate aspiration. Unfortu- 
nately the British people of South Africa stood in the way, 
and had to be got rid of, consequently the Young Afrikander 
propaganda was launched. It began immediately after the 
Boer war of independence. If Mr. Gladstone and his col- 
leagues had had the prescience of a Thiers they might have 
anticipated the danger ; and, by nipping the ambition in the 
bud, have warded oft" disaster. But by their policy a situation 
of incompatibility was created from which either Briton or 
Boer had to retire. The Briton finally decided to stay, and 
the result has been the destruction of the Boer plans for the 
time being, and probably for ever, if he is fairly but firmly 
handled and saved from the usual fatal extremes of magna- 
nimity on the part of his British conquerors. 

After the first Transvaal war, the Boers preached a 
crusade against everything British. There were to be no 
English signboards, no English advertisements in Dutch 
papers, no English bookkeepers ; no, all Dutch, said The 
Patriot. It was written that it was a disgrace to speak 
English, and English governesses were pests ; no land was 
to be sold to the Englishman. The Boer was the noble 
and was to remain so ; if he had land to sell he was 
enjoined to sell it to a brother Boer or Afrikander from the 
Colony, but on no account to an Englishman. The Boer 



220 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



was the landowner, and the " proud little Englishman " was 
to be " dependent on him." Trial by a jury of his own 
people was denied him, he had to be tried only by Boers. 

The possession of the land was to be looked upon not 
only as a fortunate fact of which every advantage was to be 
taken, but it was to be jealously guarded as the exclusive 
inherent right of the Boer people. All Englishmen were 
Uitlanders and beyond the pale of Boer civilisation. 

The whirligig of time brings many changes ; now the 
mortgage bonds over a great part of the estates of his am- 
bitious but improvident enemies have fallen to the English- 
man by right of conquest. What will he do with them ? 

The extent to which the Boers were mortgaging their 
farms will be seen from the following returns given in the 
report of the Registrar of Deeds for 1898. The total 
number of properties mortgaged was 4884, and the sum of 
£2,181,254 was borrowed on them; besides this amount a 
further sum of £2,693,405 was borrowed under general 
mortgage of all the belongings of the borrowers. Pro- 
perty was therefore pledged in that year to an amount of 
£4,874,660. In the same year mortgages were cancelled 
to the amount of £2,1 86,607, leaving a net increase of in- 
debtedness of £2,688,053 for the year 1898 alone. Out 
of the total amount the sum of £258,352 was borrowed 
from lenders residing outside the Transvaal. The Boers 
are indebted to the Government to the extent of about 
£750,000; £250,000 of this was given out of the Amorti- 
sation Fund — a special fund voted by the Volksraad to be 
loaned to poor burghers. About £400,000 is money from 
the Post-Office Savings Bank, representing the greater part 
of the balances of depositors; the remaining £100,000 is 
from the Orphan Chamber, and it represents the patrimony 
of orphans entrusted to the Government. In most cases 
these moneys are secured on realisable properties, and, gene- 
rally speaking, the security is sufficient ; some cases there 
may be where the property pledged is not worth much more 
than the amount of the bond, but these are the exception. 
But although the securities may be sufficient to realise the 
full amounts of the loans if the Government decided to call 



THE BOER PEOPLE 221 

up the bonds, still that might not be the best step to take. 
The Imperial Government being the creditor will, doubtless, 
in this case consider the welfare of its debtors, and forget 
its former enemies in its mindfulness of its present subjects. 
British principles of fairplay, reasonable magnanimity if you 
will, will be contrasted with the former Boer methods of arro- 
gance and exclusion. The Imperial Government will certainly 
not fall into the same error that Paul Kruger fell into and 
make helots of the Boer people, as he tried to do with the 
British ; rather may the Imperial Government be expected 
to go to the other extreme and be unreasonably and unfairly 
lenient. 

If the properties were sold, the result would be that a 
great many people would be rendered homeless for the time, 
and the Government in all probability would have them on 
its hands in some other way. The situation will probably 
resolve itself into this : The new Government will confirm 
the Volksraad Resolution of 1899, ordering the remission of 
interest during the period of the War ; and in cases where it 
seems advisable it may even decide to grant remission for 
periods of one or two years after the War, the interest accru- 
ing in the meantime being added to the principal. This 
would give all the energetic Boers a chance to gather together 
their scattered fortunes, and begin again to bring their homes 
into a condition of comfort and their farms into a state of 
prosperity. In cases where the Boer or his family — for the 
head of the house may have been killed — are in such circum- 
stances after the War that it appears unlikely that either 
principal or interest can ever be paid, the Government should 
call up the bond and sell the property, and if it does not 
bring much more than the amount of the bond, the Govern- 
ment should buy the property and then let a part of the 
land to the former owner at a moderate rent with option of 
re-purchase, the extent let being in proportion to the reduced 
capabilities and resources of the lessees. The remainder of 
the farm, if any, should be dealt with as suggested in the 
chapter on the land. Of course every consideration should 
be taken of the period of ruin which has passed over the 
country ; where there is a chance of recover}', time to pay 



222 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

should be granted, but where the case is hopeless, it will be 
the truest kindness to cut the knot and relieve the debtor of 
his load. 

Besides lenity in respect to Government loans, it should 
also be made compulsory for private capitalists, consistently 
with fairness, to deal gently with their debtors ; a Court of 
Adjudicature could be established to settle the limit of the 
time of grace in each case according to its special circum- 
stances. 

Besides these measures, the policy which Lord Kitchener 
foreshadowed of supplying ruined Boers with what cattle 
may be over at the end of the War, is a good and praise- 
worthy one ; further, the Government might give them seed 
corn and help them to help themselves in every way 
possible. 

If irrigation works are started on the lines suggested in 
the chapter on the land, employment could be found on them 
for many of the poorer burghers. They would also be able 
to profit by any scheme of land settlement on small allot- 
ments that may finally be decided on. It will be good policy 
to get as many as possible into the village agricultural com- 
munities, where they would be likely to profit by the example 
and industry of their neighbours, and they on the other hand 
could profit by the experience of the Boer ; by each learning 
to know the other better they might lessen any present 
mutual distrust, and by gradual assimilation they might pave 
the way for future fusion. 

Their language, religion, and customs should be left to 
themselves, and they should be taught the lesson which their 
own legislators never knew, that forbearance and kindness 
and trust are after all great forces in the world. 

But the policy of leniency to the Boer people should not 
be overdone; frequently they misunderstand it and put it 
down to weakness. It is difficult for people in England to 
realise the state of mind of the Boer, but it is a fact that 
after all the war, he is nearly as cocksure about his own 
superiority as ever, and he has no place in his mind for the 
greatness of England ; anything got from her has been 
obtained by his own superior power. Therefore while it 



THE BOER PEOPLE 223 

would be unwise to utterly destroy the vanquished foe by 
way of material ruin, or even to copy his own method of 
exclusion and taboo by for ever forbidding any participation 
in political privileges, it would be more foolish still to overdo 
magnanimity. 

Although probably half of the Boer farmers have their 
land more or less mortgaged, the other half comprises some 
men of very great wealth. Boer millionaires are by no means 
unknown in the Transvaal ; there are the Krugers, Be- 
zuidenhouts, Roods, Geldenhuys, Rissiks, and many other 
names associated with large fortunes, and even those who have 
mortgaged their farms are not always poor ; some of them 
borrowed the money to improve their properties. After the 
extremists have been captured and peace is declared, given 
that they manage to save some of their stock, and provided 
that they accept the situation and do their best in co-operat- 
ing with the newcomer, they will soon pull themselves to- 
gether. 

The Boer population of the Transvaal after the War, 
men, women, and children, will probably number about 
100,000. The surveyed and inspected farms of the Trans- 
vaal number 11,707. Of that large total the Boers own 
6851, many of them of course mortgaged; the Uitlanders 
own 375, and the great land companies 2124, whilst the 
Government has retained 2355. It is evident that the 
Boers still are and will be for many years the predominant 
land-owning class, and it is only common sense that they 
should be made to pay a fair contribution towards the cost 
of the War. Anything less than this would be unfair to 
the loyal British population of the Transvaal, who have had 
greater hardships to bear than even the Boer. They were 
expelled and ruined by commandeering and theft of their 
property and deprived of their livelihood for years, and under 
the former Government let it be remembered that the Boers 
carefully planned so that nine-tenths of the taxes should fall 
exclusively on the Uitlander and not on himself. Further, 
anything less than securing a fair contribution from the Boer 
would be unfair to the people of England, who }^ear by year 
pay their is. in the pound income-tax, while, if the matter is 



224 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



not carefully watched, their enemies who have caused the War 
may get off scot-free. Of course, in view of the present ruin 
of the country, the contribution must at first be levied with 
discrimination — in some cases it might be remitted altogether 
to begin with — but as soon as they are able, the Boers 
should by means of the land-tax, assessed according to the 
value and extent of their lands as sketched in the chapter on 
the land, be made to pay equally with their fellow-citizens. 
If they engage in other pursuits than that of farming, then 
they should be subject to pay the same taxes which may be 
levied on others. 

The extent of taxation will greatly depend on the Boer 
himself. If he honestly throws in his lot under the new 
conditions, the great police force which is supposed at present 
to be necessary will not be required. The best-informed 
opinion is that once he has given in, provided he receives 
fair and firm treatment, he will not attempt another war, and 
this will probably prove correct. If he does not give in, he 
must be completely disarmed. The number of rifles and 
guns is known, and before the prisoners are allowed to 
return it should be insisted upon that at least 90 per cent, 
be accounted for. 1 

If the Boer realises, the situation and manfully accepts it, 
if he throws off his old habits and buckles to with energy, 
resolved to pay his share of the burden of the war debt 
which has been incurred through his own ambition ; with 
the greater part of the land in his possession, and with his 
experience and knowledge of the country, he should have no 
difficulty in maintaining an important if no longer a pre- 
dominant position in the country. 

He need fear no oppression from the Government nor 
interference with his ways and customs, and his fellow- 
Transvaalers of British birth will bear him no grudge, but 
rather respect his courage and energy. If, on the other 
hand, he continues a vain opposition and unduly prolongs 
the strife until bitterness is created on both sides, if he per- 
sists in bringing his country to desolation and his people to 
despair, and if when the last remnants are eventually sub- 

1 This is in accordance with Lord Roberts' proclamation. 



THE BOER PEOPLE 225 

dued they only sulk and bemoan their self-inflicted losses, 
then there is only one fate for the Boer. Instead of being 
an equal among equals, he will become the hewer of wood 
and drawer of water, only a little higher, and in some cases 
perhaps a little lower than the Kaffirs. His fate is in his 
own hands ; he can still remain the landed aristocrat of the 
Transvaal if'he will. 






CHAPTER XV 

THE NATIVES 

The native population of the Transvaal may be estimated to 
number close on three quarters of a million. There are many 
types of Kaffir represented, the most important being the 
Bechuanas, Basutos, Magatees, Shangaans, Swazi, and Zulus. 
The various colonies of these people are known by the names 
of their chiefs for the time being, such as Mapoch, Malaboch, 
Secocoeni, and so on. The districts they inhabit most thickly 
are Vryheid, the northern parts of Middelburg and Pre- 
toria, Rustenburg, the north and west of Lydenburg, Water- 
berg, and Zoutpansberg ; the last-named immense and partly 
unexplored district has over 400,000. 

The Kaffirs are childish, indolent, good-tempered, and 
easily governed. In their natural condition and habitat they 
lead what is to them an ideal life of comfort and freedom from 
worry. The women and elder children do the work of the 
kraal and the field, all except ploughing, and the men spend 
their time lazily lying around in the sun. 

A Kaffir's wealth consists, firstly, of his wives and mar- 
riageable daughters ; he buys the former and sells the latter, 
and in all these transactions he uses cattle, his other form of 
wealth, as the medium of exchange. 

The Kaffir's land is really the common property of the 
whole tribe, but as Transvaal law does not recognise the 
ownership of land by natives, each native location or territory 
is registered in the name of the superintendent of natives on 
behalf of the respective chief for the time being. The arable 
land is apportioned according to tribal custom, each man 
being allowed the use of a lot and common grazing rights on 
the remainder not so apportioned. The natives own large 

herds of cattle, and they are by far the greatest cultivators 

226 



THE NATIVES 227 

of the land in the Transvaal. Many of them are very 
wealthy, owning cattle and corn equivalent to several 
thousands of pounds in value. Besides the native reserve 
lands, many Kaffirs squat on the farms of the Boers, where 
they are allowed to cultivate on the system of giving the 
owner half the produce of the crop ; they may also graze so 
many head of cattle, one of the conditions being that they 
must work for the Boer when required without wages or other 
payment. Some of these Kaffirs by industry become almost 
as rich as their masters, that is when they receive fair 
treatment and are not robbed. 

Unfortunately for the reputation of the Boer people, while 
the majority treat their Kaffirs honestly and kindly, many 
isolated cases of injustice and cruelty used to occur. The 
circumstances of many of these cases have already been pub- 
lished in England, and it is unnecessary here to repeat them 
further than to vouch once more for the facts. 

Since the beginning of 1901, in the prosecution of their 
guerilla warfare, the Boers have been showing increased 
cruelty to the natives ; there is the flogging and shooting of 
the man Esau at Calvinia, the cold-blooded murder of un- 
armed natives at Modderfontein and in the Magaliesberg, 
and the herding of a lot of terrified railway boys into a 
gravel pit at Taaibosch, when the captors amused themselves 
by firing over them after killing one and wounding another. 
These things are occurring in the light of day when the eyes 
of the world are on the Boers. 

The chief oppression of natives in the Transvaal arose 
through the unprincipled character of some of the native 
commissioners. Extortion was practised in collection of the 
hut-tax, the money sometimes being refused in order that the 
commissioner might obtain payment in cattle, which he could 
credit to a Kaffir at less than half their value, and sell them 
afterwards at full price and pocket the difference. If the 
native refused, he was arrested on some trumpery charge and 
unmercifully flogged. By malpractices such as these, the 
Kaffirs of Malaboch's and Magoeba's tribes were driven to 
revolt, and were slaughtered into subjection again in a 
manner which was little short of barbarous. On some 



228 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 






farms the condition of the Kaffirs was one of semi-slavery. 
" Boys " going to the mines were liable to be harried by the 
Boers, through whose farms they passed, and many were 
deterred from going to seek work by fear of this. 

In the Transvaal natives pay I os. a year in hut-tax ; this 
tax was estimated to bring in an amount of £54,863 for the 
year 1 899, besides arrears outstanding of £24, 157. Natives 
working in towns pay is. for the period of service for which 
they engage. In mining districts native labourers pay 2s. 
per month for their passes, and are liable to punishment if 
they are found without them. The estimated revenue from 
Kaffirs, other than that collected from hut-tax for 1899, was 
set down in the estimates at £71,208 ; in addition there were 

arrears outstanding of £7°>577- 

In June 1899 the mines of the Witwatersrand were 
employing 97,800 natives, or nearly 20,000 more than in 
the previous year, and it was estimated that another 15,000 
were required to bring the force to its full complement. In 
addition to these natives actually employed at the mines 
there are great numbers employed at Johannesburg and on 
the Rand as house-boys, drivers, cooks, and in other 
domestic work. The number of these may be estimated 
at about 30,000, and there will be quite another 30,000 
employed on mines in mining towns outside of the Rand ; 
so that the mining industry of the Transvaal may be cal- 
culated to give employment to a grand total of over 1 50,000 

natives. 

The wages paid on the mines vary from is. 3d. a day for 
surface labourers to 2s. 6d. a day for blacksmiths' assistants 
and semi-skilled labourers, the average being about 48s. per 
month, with food and shelter. The domestic servant Kaffir 
receives about £3 per month with food and lodging. The 
Shangaans and East Coast boys and Basutos make the best 
mine boys ; the Zulus prefer to remain aboveground and 
seek employment as domestics. 

A serious difficulty is experienced in obtaining a sufficient 
supply of natives for the mines, and two years ago the 
Chamber of Mines considered the question of importing 
labour from other parts of Africa and from other conu- 



THE NATIVES 229 

tries. The Governors of the West Coast settlements and 
other States were written to, but the answers were not 
encouraging. 

The only effective supply available appeared to be from 
China, but, besides the heavy cost, it was considered un- 
desirable to import Chinese into Africa in any great numbers, 
and the matter was dropped, the intention being to try by 
better organisation and other ways to obtain a sufficiency 
from the Transvaal itself and from the adjacent Portuguese 
territories, and negotiations were entered into with the 
Portuguese Government, resulting in an agreement arrived 
at by which East Coast Kaffirs could be imported under 
satisfactory regulations. The cost of bringing the natives 
to the Rand is about 65s., including the charge of 27s. 6d. 
for passports made by the Portuguese Government. The 
hope is that by the increased use of rock drills Kaffirs may 
gradually be replaced on the mines by white men. 

Mr. Eckstein at the Rand Mines Meeting, 1898, said:— 

" We have proved that we can do by machine drills in the hands 
of white men much of the work which was formerly done by the 
natives. It is not yet entirely satisfactory, I admit, and we all 
acknowledge the cost, and in some other respects the unsatisfactori- 
ness of the machine drill ; but the experiment is a comparatively 
recent one, we are improving all the time, and I think we may 
reasonably look forward to the introduction of a small stope-drill, 
which will aid us immensely in solving our labour difficulty. The 
hope which I said I entertained was this — that by the development 
of the machine-drill we can cut down our native labour to a large 
extent, and in place of 50,000 or 60,000 natives, we may yet be able 
to do with 10,000 or 15,000 white miners. This would be a most 
desirable consummation." 

One of the greatest evils in respect of the government of 
natives has been the drink traffic. Not only did the vile 
stuff supplied in the name of brandy cause 25 per cent, of 
natives to be continually unfit for work, but it permanently 
ruined their constitution and caused many of them to die. 
Wherever the illicit liquor dens existed, mobs of drink-sodden 
natives gathered yelling and gesticulating, not in twos and 
threes, but in hundreds, and even thousands. Right along 
the Reef the trade flourished ; around Marshall Square in the 



230 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 






heart of Johannesburg itself, on Sunday afternoons it was a 
common sight to see the Kaffirs filing in through the labyrinth 
of passages with galvanised iron walls, with which the 
vendors of illicit liquor surrounded their premises, and a 
constant stream filing out on the other side into the next 
street, where some lay around, others fought and swore with 
sticks in the air and eyes aflame, requiring only a spark to 
set them into a fierce and brutal general fight. Regular stand- 
up battles were every now and then taking place, not single 
hand encounters, but opposing forces of from 500 to 1000 
men a-side, in which kerries, stones, and any handy weapons 
were used, the frequent result being that several would be 
seriously wounded and occasionally one or two killed. These 
disgraceful scenes took place in the full light of day, the 
police being carefully and conspicuously absent. 

The evil grew until it became a grave national scandal, 
and mainly owing to the action of the Transvaal Leader in 
publishing a series of special articles, public indignation on 
the subject was aroused. The modus operandi in the crusade 
was this : The assistant editor and others of the staff, 
armed with revolvers, made sudden raids into the dens, 
pushing open the doors and rushing through the passages, in 
some cases managing to get right to the centre before the 
cellars were locked up ; in those cases they smashed all the 
bottles and let the drink run out : they would find, as a rule, 
that the proprietors had made themselves scarce. On many 
occasions they were anticipated ; some of the places were 
protected by pickets ; men were stationed to watch, and at 
the slightest sign of danger a button was pressed and the 
warning conveyed by electric bell. Of course the Leader 
raids were illegal, but no action was taken against the paper, 
and it did good. The articles roused public opinion, both 
Uitlander and Boer, and a deputation of the Dutch Reformed 
clergy waited on the President on the Queen's Birthday 
1899, and urged him to put an end to the traffic. But the 
Government were by this time almost powerless in the 
matter. The following extract l from a letter from the State 

1 Chamber of Mines, p. 103. Extract of a letter from the State Attorney to 
the Chamber of Mines, 14th April 1898. 



THE NATIVES 231 

Attorney to the Chamber of Mines will show the position as 
it existed in 1898 ; it refers to a Liquor Commission appointed 
by the Government to inquire and suggest a remedy : — 

" The Commission is of opinion that a moderate use of drink 
by the natives, under the control of or on behalf of the Government 
and mine managers, must in every way effect an improvement. 

"The native will be able to obtain at a much less price, and, 
without any fear, a limited quantity of drink of a much better 
quality. This will guard the native against drunkenness ; he will 
remain fitted for his work, and, moreover, trade in general will be 
benefited, as the native must now pay such high prices for drink 
that he has little or nothing left over with which to purchase other 
articles, such as clothing, &c. 

" The great profit that is derived from the illicit sale of drink 
renders the Government almost powerless to uphold the law. 
According to information supplied to the Commission, there are 
syndicates formed which have their branches everywhere, and which 
must truly be regarded as the purveyors of drink, while the persons 
who sell are hired by the former under contract, and obtain com- 
pensation if they are sentenced under the law." 

To this letter the Chamber of Mines replied 1 : — 

1. "That strong drink is by no means indispensable to natives, 
as is shown at De Beers, and in Bechuanaland and Basutoland, as 
well as in other parts of South Africa. 

2. " That experience has proved that addiction to strong drink 
causes the deterioration of the natives, physically and morally." 

The South African Mining Journal commented : — 



"At the same time the Government seems to have cast a lustful 
glance upon the profits of the illicit liquor trade ; upon the com- 
mission won by complaisance by police and other officials, upon the 
immense profits earned by the vendor of hell-fire-water, tanglefoot, 
blue ruin, and other concoctions that sap the Kaffir's strength and 
delete his brain power. At the suggestion (we gather) of the in- 
evitable Messrs. Lewis and Marks, the trade is to be elevated into a 
Government monopoly. One remembers the parable of the man 
from whom the devil was cast out and there entered into him seven 
worse than himself. A Government monopoly, farmed and sublet, 
in league with the police, or acting in collusion with the present 
vendor class! The prospect is too terrible. No doubt a Kaffir 
drink monopoly will one day become a corner-stone of the State's 



1 Chamber of Mines, p. 105. Letter from Chamber of Mines to State Attorney, 
20th April 1898. 



232 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

independence. Then the supporters of the Transvaal coat-of-arms 
should be a dynamite monopoly erect and rampant, and a drunken 
— a very drunken — Kaffir.*' 

Any one who lived in Johannesburg and saw what was 
going on would find it difficult to arrive at any other con- 
clusion than that the officials were to blame, and that the 
traffic under a pure and energetic administration would have 
been impossible. 

But about the remedy, it seems perfectly evident that the 
only thing to do is to entirely prohibit the sale of spirits to 
natives. If the Kaffirs want drink, let them have it in their 
own way and of their own kind, that is, Kaffir beer. This is 
the natural drink of the Kaffir ; besides being only mildly 
intoxicating, it is nourishing and health-giving, and leaves no 
bad after effects. The boys get fat on it. If they do take 
too much, unlike raw spirit which drives them mad, Kaffir 
beer only sends them to sleep, and they 7 wake in the morning 
fresh and ready for work. Mr. Loxton, compound manager 
at the New Goch Mine, states that when he took over 
the compound of that mine from 25 to 30 per cent, of 
the natives were habitually unfit for work from drunken- 
ness, and in the compound thirty of the boys were suffering 
from scurvy. He immediately 7 allowed the boys to brew 
and drink Kaffir beer, with the result that in three months 
twenty-five of the boy 7 s sick with scurvy had recovered, and 
the percentage of boys fit for dut} 7 every month rose from 
75 to 80 per cent. This was while the old drink traffic 
was still flourishing, and it shows that if the native is 
allowed his natural intoxicant the desire for the more ardent 
spirit is greatly 7 modified. 

To make prohibition effective is the difficulty. One way 
is to forbid, under severe penalties, any sale of spirits to 
natives. This was the law in the Orange Free State, and it 
is the law in Bechuanaland and Basutoland, and in these 
countries it works well. 

It should be tried in the Transvaal, and if it proves a 
failure, then the only 7 other remedy seems to be the closed 
compound system. A good deal can be said in favour of 
this system. The native employees of De Beers are the 



THE NATIVES 233 

happiest and best treated Kaffirs in South Africa, and as a 
consequence the De Beers Company is never short of native 
labour. A writer in the Daily Telegraph wrote last year as 
follows : — 

" At any rate, the employees of De Beers are not allowed to get 
drunk. The doors of the compound open outwards ; the native can 
leave it if he likes, but except at the conclusion of his contract, he 
leaves it not to return to his master and easy employment. Mr. 
Merriman once failed of success at Kimberley, I believe, but he was 
not there long enough to write on the outside of the compound 
1 vestigia nulla refrorsumJ But the corrugated iron walls do not 
make a prison for the natives, nor the barbed wire fencing a cage in 
the accepted sense of the word. Happier people I have never seen, 
or better contented, as indeed they well may be. They are fed and 
clad cheaply, to their own taste, they save money, and are saved 
from themselves. The compound system, as organised at Kimberley, 
combines all the privileges of freedom — save that of getting drunk 
— with that absence of responsibility which is the compensation of 
the slave." 

The great objection to the compound system comes from 
the mercantile community. On the mines of the Rand alone 
in 1898 the wages paid for Kaffir labour amounted to 
£2,069, 129. This represents a very great purchasing 
power, and means a large trade, and if it were placed 
directly in the hands of the companies, as at De Beers, it 
would be a distinct loss. The objection is a sound and reason- 
able one ; but the illicit drink traffic must be stopped, and 
the mercantile class should in their own interest do all in 
their power to make prohibition effective ; otherwise the 
question of compounds in some modified form restricting an}' 
trading on the part of the companies is bound to crop up. 
The suppression of the illicit liquor traffic would almost 
certainly solve the native labour question on the mines. As 
soon as the chiefs found that their young men were not 
being destroyed by drink, but were well cared for and re- 
turned home fat and prosperous, they would send them in 
ever-increasing numbers to work. The mines would also 
gain directly by having the full complement of " boys " daily 
at work instead of losing continually to the extent of 2 5 per 
cent, as formerly. 

The general principles of the treatment of Kaffirs in the 



234 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Transvaal is good. No equality is admitted as between 
white and black, except that both have an equal right to 
justice. No matter what sentimentalists, wrongly informed, 
at home may think, there is no doubt that it is the best 
policy both for the Kaffir and the white man. The Kaffir is 
a child in civilisation, and should be treated as a child, kindly 
and justly, but firmly. No one would think of giving legis- 
lative or political powers to children, and no more should 
they be given to Kaffirs. There is, besides, the division of 
the races, which it is not advisable to remove. No fusion is 
wanted between white and black, and until it is wanted there 
can be no equality. 

Let people at home put the question to themselves in its 
closest relations and see whether they would welcome a Kaffir 
into their families on terms of the most intimate equality, 
and they will probably discover a repugnance, and quite a 
natural repugnance as the answer. What is natural is likely 
to be right, and to South Africans, at any rate, the question 
does not admit of argument. Those who have to live in the 
country should be the best judges in a question of this sort, 
and the Imperial Government should respect South African 
opinion. If this had been done in the past, and if less 
attention had been paid to fanatical and unnatural sentiment, 
there might have been no Boer War. 

The correct policy for the treatment of Kaffirs has already 
been found by the late Government of the Orange Free State. 
The Kaffir was there a gentleman of lesser degree, his rights 
respected, and his welfare looked after, but his position as an 
inferior carefully regulated. The result was satisfactory both 
to white and black. In the Transvaal, with his rich corn 
lands, the Kaffir should be made to contribute more to the 
revenue. He will in the future enjoy greater protection and 
better government, and he can afford to pay for these advan- 
tages. If he has to do some more work, so much the better, 
both for himself and the new colony. The hut-tax should be 
raised to 20s. ; this tax should commend itself to moralists, 
because it is levied according to the number of wives a Kaffir 
has. If he has ten wives, that means ten huts, and conse- 
quently he would have to pay £10. This would be a mild 




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THE NATIVES 235 

application of Mr. Rhodes' Glen Grey Act, and would, besides 
securing revenue, serve other useful purposes. 

There is a notion prevalent in England that the Kaffir is 
poor. It is quite a mistake. The average Kaffir in the 
Transvaal leads a life of luxury and indolence compared to that 
of the English working-man. Even the Kaffir in the mines 
takes work very leisurely ; a good English miner would do 
twice the amount of work in a day. Sir William Harcourt 
seems to be of opinion that simply because a native is a 
native he should not be taxed. This view of the native 
question only shows a want of knowledge of the facts. 
The native can as well afford to pay as Sir William's own 
income-tax payers at home. Many of the chiefs have 
hoards of gold in their huts, and all have great wealth 
in cattle, and to apply even death duties to them would 
be quite fair but very difficult. As for the tax, it is an in- 
significant affair ; if it were £10 per hut many Kaffirs would 
not feel it much. Remember the Transvaal is a rich country. 
The Egyptian fellah with his land-tax of 25 s. per acre per 
annum would think himself in Paradise if he could live in the 
Transvaal and farm, with only ,£1 per year to pay for each 
house he owned. The Kaffir of course pays no income-tax 
nor land-tax, and it is questionable whether £1 is sufficient. 
It is under rather than over the mark, and if revenue is short 
it should be raised to £2. He receives one great advantage 
among others for his £1 per year, in that there is no longer 
any danger of his being eaten up by a hostile impu 



CHAPTER XVI 

INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 

Industries. 

A beginning has been made with manufacturing industry 
in the Transvaal, but as yet factories are few and unimport- 
ant. The great engineering works on the Rand have been 
called into existence by the requirements of the mines, and 
might more properly be considered as part of the mining 
industry. They are extensive and well equipped ; some of 
the workshops can turn out heavy machinery well made and 
well fitted, and all can execute repairs, make castings, and 
fit in parts with efficiency and despatch. But so far the 
great cost of skilled labour, and other items of expenditure, 
have made it impossible to compete with home and American 
industry in machinery manufacture. When the superior 
iron ores of the country are worked a change in this respect 
will take place, and in the course of the next decade it is 
fairly certain that iron foundries on a large scale will be 
working. Branches of the firms at present supplying the 
Rand with mining machinery or others will be established at 
Johannesburg or Middelburg ; the first to come will no doubt 
secure the lion's share of the trade. 

It is more than likely that a start would have been made 
in this direction already had it not been for the fact that the 
principal mining groups have large financial interests in one 
or more of the great firms making machinery for the Rand, 
and while the mines continue to be controlled wholly by the 
present people, they will naturally support their own factories ; 
but if new mines are opened and new capital is induced 
through liberal measures of Government, there will un- 
doubtedly be excellent opportunities for establishing many 

236 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 237 

different branches of iron and steel manufacture, including 
machinery. 

This is more fully dealt with in the chapter on iron and 
other minerals. In passing, it ma} 7 be observed that inde- 
pendently of the larger and more important uses of iron and 
steel in connection with the mining industry in the Transvaal, 
there are man} 7 requirements of the country which could be 
supplied immediately from Transvaal iron ores, and which 
offer large profits to any one taking up their manufacture. 
For instance, there will be a demand for iron fencing stand- 
ards, Kaffir pots, &c., &c. 

The Rand Central Ore Reduction has for some time past 
been producing pig iron from Middelburg ores. 

Industries other than mining and its associated works 
have in the past had little encouragement from the Govern- 
ment, from Capital, or from the people of the Transvaal. 
The most considerable industries in the country are nearly 
all due to the enterprise of one firm, Messrs. Lewis & Marks. 
Besides being distillers, and gold-miners, and farmers, this 
wealthy house engages in coal-mining, jam-making, candle- 
making, glass and bottle making, leather-making, brick- 
making, and pottery manufacture ; and if in some matters 
their influence has not always been for the good of the 
State, they deserve praise for their encouragement of local 
industry. 

Paradoxical as it may appear, the system of granting 
concessions for the exploitation of particular industries, 
ostensibly with the design of bringing them into life and 
nourishing them and protecting them, has almost invariably 
resulted in failure. 

The concessionaires, in applying for their concessions, 
and the Government in granting them, appear to have been 
actuated only by the one motive of trying to make money by 
sale of the privileges to third parties. A few only of these 
concessions have been worked, and these are almost without 
exception for the manufacture of something for which the 
demand is so great and urgent that sufficient profits could 
be secured to induce capital and enterprise without any 
special protection. The principal industries worked under 



238 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

concessions are the manufacture of dynamite, brandy, and 
cement. The dynamite monopoly is dealt with in Chapter X. 

The brandy concession is worked at the Hatherley Dis- 
tillery. This much may be said for Hatherley brandy, that 
it is better than the death-dealing mixture that has been so 
largely sold to the Kaffirs on - the Rand during the past five 
years. The Hatherley stuff was supplanted in the market 
by raw spirits from Hamburg, naturalised as Portuguese at 
Lisbon on the way out, and imported into the Transvaal 
practically free under the Transvaal-Portuguese Treat}'. It 
was doctored with tobacco, chilies, and other drugs in 
Johannesburg, and then sold to the Kaffirs by the illicit 
dealers. It is to be hoped that this evil-producing trade will 
be stopped once and for all ; it costs the country enormous 
sums for labour lost every year. As for the Hatherley. dis- 
tillery, if the company turns its attention solely to the 
production of sound whisky and other liquor for white 
consumption, there is no reason why it should not continue. 
For some time it has assisted agriculture by furnishing a 
special market for barley and other cereals, and if alcohol is 
required, by all means let it be made locally, if it is possible. 

The chief ground of complaint in the past about the 
matter was not the actual manufacture so much as the policy 
of the late Government in protecting the Kaffir drink trade 
for the benefit of the concessionaires and the importers of 
Hamburg spirit. Hatherley whisky, although perhaps not 
so palatable as good Scotch, is sound enough, and if taken in 
strict moderation leaves no worse effects than other whiskies. 
If too much is taken it is another thing. 

When questioned about the quality before the Concessions 
Commission, Mr. Samuel Marks replied, " It has had a large 
sale since the British came." This answer, which was clever 
under the circumstances, must not be taken as either a sure 
guarantee of the quality of the whisky or the thirstiness of 
the army. The large demand, it is to be feared, arose only 
because there was no other whisky obtainable. 

The cement factory is one of the industries of the 
house of Eckstein. It is one instance among several of a 
capitalist group directly benefiting by the Government 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 239 

polic}', but little has been heard of the cement concession. 
As a fact, the manufacture was for a time carried on with 
little success, but since the present manager was appointed 
cement of good quality has been produced and sold at a 
fair profit under the high protective tariff which exists for 
the company's benefit. 

There is a chemical company on the Rand, manufacturing 
sulphuric acid and other chemicals ; while this company has 
no concession, its products are protected by high tariffs, and 
since its reconstruction the company is now making fair 
profits from a comparatively large output. 

Judging from the history of Transvaal protected in- 
dustries, the best policy seems to be to grant moderate 
protection by special duties on articles which can be manu- 
factured from raw material existing in the country. It seems 
difficult to establish new manufacturing industries without 
this, but there should be no concessions or exclusive rights 
given to any individual to manufacture any article whatever. 
That policy, instead of encouraging industry, rather tends to 
choke it. The concessionaire, in most cases, has no inten- 
tion whatever of building a factory himself, and by refusing 
to part with his right except on exorbitant terms he prevents 
others from taking up the business, who might otherwise 
be willing to do so. There are many industries whose 
exploitation might prove remunerative in the Transvaal. 
Chief among these are the various branches of iron and steel 
manufacture and engineering, but there are also such 
trades as pottery manufacture, kaolin of good quality is 
plentiful, jam preserving, soap and candle making, leather 
tanning, boot and shoe making, &c, &c. By following the 
lead of Messrs. Lewis & Marks, who engage in all these 
manufactures, newcomers would not go far wrong ; for such 
industries are almost sure to be profitable. 

Speaking at the Imperial Institute in March, Mr. Chamber- 
lain said : " There will be great numbers going to develop 
not only the mineral resources of this country which have 
already been opened up, but those still greater resources 
which we know to exist. In every kind of business 
occupation — manufacturing, industrial, mining — there must 



240 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

of necessity be great development, and this country will be 
drawn upon for the majority, at all events, of those who 
will carry out that development." In view of the uneasiness 
about the future of British trade, surely a consideration 
of these new openings for British energy to which Mr. 
Chamberlain refers will bring some comfort. It is self- 
evident that when American coal is one half the price of 
British coal, provided the quality is nearly as good, then all 
the industries in which British coal secured to Great Britain 
a practical monopoly in the past will, sooner or later, be 
wrested from her. The Transvaal has the raw materials 
in as vast quantities, and probably of equal quality to the 
raw materials of America. Why not found a Pittsburg there, 
and make the beginning of the apparently inevitable change 
of situation of the great British iron industry? A Briton 
can be a Briton, and an Englishman an Englishman, as 
well at Middelburg, Transvaal, as at Birmingham, England. 
The grasping of the idea of the Empire as the unit is what 
is required. The piling together of people in great cities 
is being overdone, and the reaction must come. Let the 
English people spread themselves out and get elbow-room. 
Their heritage is vast enough. 

If the old deep-level mines of industry in England give 
signs of pinching out, why not turn to the new but highly 
promising outcrop mines which, although further afield, are 
still within the boundary of the Empire's estate ? 1 

A few weeks ago this country seemed to be seriously 
contemplating the possibility of going to war with Russia 
about China, a country already thickly populated, and whose 
total export and import trade, with all her 400 millions and 
5000 years, is only about twice as much as that of the infant 
Transvaal. 2 

The value of machinery on the mines of the Transvaal 

1 In a speech at Newport Pagnell, already quoted, Mr George Farrar said : 
" A country that produces £20,000,000 of gold per annum, and which has vast 
deposits of coal and iron, might one day be as prosperous as the United States 
of America. " 

2 China's total foreign trade in 1899 was about £70,000,000, in which the 
British Empire participated to the extent of £43,000,000.— T. H. Whitehead, 
Royal Colonial Institute, 12th February 1900. The total Transvaal trade, 
export and import, is about £30,000,000. 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 241 

at the end of 1898 was £9,409,059, at the end of 1897 it 
was £7,649,620, and the value of machinery used for other 
purposes than mines (such as flour mills, cement factories, 
and other industries) was in 1898 £239,489. 

On the mines there were in 1898 1223 steam-engines, 
1 593 boilers, 370 dynamos, 570 electric motors, 702 haul- 
ing engines, 822 pumping engines, 295 ore crushers, 1965 
rock-drills, 7149 stamps, and 16,510 trucks. 

The total horse-power employed was 149,330. 

On other works there were 468 boilers, and on railways 
2 93- 

The horse-power employed on works other than mines 
was 6120. 

The number of engines so employed was 542. 

The value of the machinery of the Transvaal will pro- 
bably be doubled within six years after the War. 

Commerce. 

Since gold-mining became an established industry, the 
commerce of the country has grown to such an extent that 
the Transvaal market is now considered one of the most 
important among the new trade centres of the world, and 
there is ample justification for the view. Those who have 
already acted on it by establishing branches or agencies 
in Johannesburg have not had long to wait for handsome 
returns. They are now settled, with splendid stores and 
warehouses, in the best business parts of the city, and doing 
extensive and growing business, and ready to take advantage 
of their position in the Chicago of South Africa. 

Transvaal commerce may be divided into three classes — 
1st. The direct trade with the mines. 
2nd. The general trade of the large towns. 
3rd. Trade with the Boers, country population, and 
Kaffirs. 
The direct trade with the mines has grown with the 
mining industry, and in the immediate future it may be 
expected to go on growing as the industry expands. Some 
fears have been raised recently by the statement that it is the 

Q 






242 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

intention of the great mining houses to import all the stores 
they require direct. This has been denied by the capitalists, 
and they quote in support of the denial the figures of the 
trade 'they have been doing locally in the past. To take 
a common-sense view of the matter, it is not likely that the 
controllers of the mines will begin to import direct on any 
large scale for some time to come. They will be too busily 
engaged in getting their present mines in order, and in 
developing and equipping new ones, to go aside into by- 
paths. But there is no reason why they should not even- 
tually feel disposed to do so. They have already acquired 
large interests in the machinery trade of the Rand, and it is 
quite possible that, in looking for other worlds to conquer, 
they may decide to attempt the annexation of Transvaal 
commerce as well as Transvaal industry. Such a thing 
has happened before, and is happening now in America and 
England, and it is more than likely to happen in the Transvaal. 
Let the merchants look to it ; there is only one way of hinder- 
ing great amalgamations, and that is to see that the laws do 
not lend themselves to unduly unequal distribution of wealth. 
Some of the points touched on in the chapters on the 
mining laws are of as much importance to the merchants, 
and, indeed, to the whole people of the Transvaal, as they 
are to those directly engaged in searching for new mines and 

new industries. 

Only by identifying themselves with the general interest, 
by securing their position by enterprise and forethought, 
anticipation of requirements, and by reasonable prices, can 
the merchants hope to maintain their position for long. 

The principal direct trade with the mines consists in 
supplying meat, grain, forage, candles, paraffin, cement, 
oilman's stores, timber, iron, steel in bars and sheets, gal- 
vanised roofing iron, tools, cyanide, chemicals, &c, &c. 
A few prices of some of these articles as follows are taken 
from the Minister of Mines' reports, the quotations being the 
averages for 1898: Mealies, 1 8s. 5d. per muid (3 bushels); 
forage (oat-hay), per 100 bundles, 39s. 4 d. ; candles, per box, 
8s. 1 id. ; paraffin, per case, 13s. 2d.; cement, per barrel, 

49 s - 5 d - 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 243 

When the accusation of the intention of importing direct 
was imputed to the mines in 1898, Mr. Rouliot, of Messrs. 
Eckstein & Co., replied to it in his speech at the annual 
meeting of the Chamber of Mines on January 12, 1899, by 
stating that — 

" It is one of those wild assertions made without any regard to 
the facts. We have asked companies to furnish us with returns of 
. the goods imported direct by them during the past year, returns of 
goods imported through the agency of a local merchant, when pay- 
ment and commission are settled here, and returns of goods pur- 
chased and paid for locally." 

Fifty-six companies only replied, and it appeared that 
during 1898 they had imported direct goods of a value of 
£369,000, the two chief items being machinery and cyanide. 
In explanation of this rather large amount, Mr. Rouliot 
gave the explanation that — 

'Heavy machinery has to be ordered and constructed under 
the supervision of engineers residing in Europe," which was quite 
a true and reasonable explanation. Direct importation of cyanide 
had been undertaken by the companies in order to get beyond a 
local ring which had raised the price 100 per cent. 

" With the exception of these two items, and a few shipments of 
heavy timber bought direct from America, the value of goods im- 
ported direct by companies is insignificant. 

" The next class of returns deals with goods imported through 
the agency of local merchants, and paid for here. These are 
articles which are not usually kept in stock to any large extent, and 
include such goods as cyanide, candles, zinc discs, and also certain 
machinery. The orders are given to local merchants, who execute 
them where they deem most beneficial to themselves, and who 
receive payment here. The amount thus imported last year by the 
fifty-six companies is ,£324,483. 

" Next we come to the stores purchased locally from the mer- 
chants of the place and paid for every month ; the value of this 
reaches the enormous total of ,£2,487,660. In addition, the fifty- 
six companies have paid here ,£767,600 for their explosives, 
and have distributed in wages ,£3,329,000 to their white and 
black employees. 

' As there are 120 companies producing or developing gold and 
coal-mines around Johannesburg, if we estimate that the sixty odd 
companies for which I have no returns, and which include such 
large undertakings as the Langlaagte and Randfontein groups, have 
not spent locally more than one-half what the other fifty-six have 
spent, I find that the companies working around Johannesburg 






244 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

have paid here, and put annually in circulation in the place, a sum 
of no less than from eight and three-quarter millions to nine 
millions, without reckoning the payment for dynamite, which is 
more than another million, and not including the goods imported 
through local merchants, which to a great extent might be con- 
sidered a local trade. These figures show you what amount of 
truth there is in the statement to which I have referred. We all 
recognise the moral claim of the merchants to the support of the 
mining industry; they have helped to build the place, they have 
grown with it, and deserve our consideration j but I must say that, 
while recognising our duty towards the commercial section of the com- 
munity, we do not admit of any claim on our sympathy on the part 
of those who have come here, attracted by the success of the mining 
industry, to live on it like parasites, to prey on us, or whose main 
line of trade is to poison our natives, and who are chiefly responsible 
for this cry." 

This statement of Mr. Rouliot is reassuring. The 
figures he gives agree roughly with the returns of the State 
Mining Engineer. The State report for 1898 shows that the 
mines of the Rand paid in 1898 — 

Wages ,£6,397,574 

Dynamite 1,266,243 

Mining material — oils, cement, &c, &c. . 3> 82 5>935 

^11,489,752 

An amount is spent locally in Johannesburg which is not 
far short of half the annual expenditure on the British Navy. 
The very magnitude of the trade may be the local merchant's 

chief danger. 

It is evident that the commerce of the Transvaal will for 
many years to come depend chiefly on the mines, and what- 
ever hurts and depresses the mining industry will hurt and 
depress commerce. The correct policy seems to be for the 
merchants to co-operate with the other sections of the 
people in securing such measures of Government as will 
further the extension and prosperity of mining, while not 
unduly encouraging the growth of overpowerful financial 
combinations. 

The second great class of Transvaal trade is the general 
trade of the large towns, the trade represented by the 
purchasing power of the wage-earning and professional 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 245 

classes. The great source of this purchasing power lies 
also in the mines, which it has been shown pay out in wages 
alone an amount of six and one-third millions yearly. Even 
the wages paid by the Netherlands Railway, by the Govern- 
ment, by the Dynamite Company all came indirectly from 
the mines. 

Of course, in addition to the wages paid in the mines, 
there are considerable sums of money continually coming to 
the Rand for investment, and there are the dividends paid 
out on shares held locally. These two sources swell the 
purchasing power of the Transvaal people by probably more 
than a million annually, and will doubtless continue to do so. 
In consequence of these never-failing streams of money, 
the general trade of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and other large 
towns is extensive, lucrative, and flourishing. The principal 
streets of Johannesburg have magnificent drapery establish- 
ments, filled in time of peace with choice goods from England, 
France, Germany, and America. There are great grocery 
stores crammed full with all kind of food stuffs, brought 
from all parts of the world, flour from Canada and America, 
fruit and butter from Australia, coffee from Rio and Java, 
wines from France and the Rhine, whisky from Scotland, 
and beer from England and Germany. There is, as a rule, 
nothing lacking, and most is imported. The land itself 
produces only a small part of what is required. Then there 
are hardware and furniture shops to furnish the houses 
of the inhabitants. The houses, since the last five years, 
have been well built of burnt bricks, some of the more 
pretentious being of stone. 

The general condition on the Rand gives evidence of 
abundance of money in circulation ; in fact, if it were not so 
the people could not live, for if there is profusion of things 
to buy, the prices required for them are exceedingly high. 
English beer is 3s. 6d. per bottle, condensed milk is 8d. and 
9d. per tin, eggs are 2s. to 2S. 6d. per dozen, butter is 2s, 
to 2s. 6d. per lb., and so on. 

The causes of these high prices are the exorbitant rail- 
way rates paid for transport from the coast and the heavy 
customs tariff. 



246 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

About these some suggestions will be made later. The 
trade of the mining towns is undoubtedly the trade that 
offers the best and most stable investment to merchants. 
The direct trade with the mines may one day go, but it is 
not likely that the general trade can ever be taken from 
them. The Compound bogey is quite an easy matter to 
settle legislatively. The English Truck Act settled the 
question long ago in England. The only thing that cannot 
well be prevented is side-by-side competition with the local 
merchants, on the part of great capitalists. This may come 
about eventually, but the day is evidently still distant. 

The third class of trade in the Transvaal is the trade 
with the Boers, the country population, and the Kaffirs. 
At one time this was the only trade in the country, and 
business was carried on by the storekeepers under conditions 
of considerable difficulty, but, as a rule, with great profit. 
The medium of exchange then consisted principally of hides 
and wool ; gold was but rarely seen and long credit was 
necessary. Now these conditions are quite changed ; the 
most distant native stad 1 has its supply of gold coin, and the 
storekeeper can readily sell his goods for cash. The goods 
may not bear so much profit as formerly, but the trade 
is sounder and more extensive. The Boers buy regular 
standard classes of goods. In the matter of food and 
dress they have ideas of their own, and the trade requires 
to be catered for. The Boer's beverage is coffee, his chief 
foods are meat and bread, he is fond of jam, sweetmeats, 
and sardines. His clothes are sober-coloured ready-made 
tweed suits, and perhaps Bedford cord or moleskin trousers ; 
his hat is wide brimmed and strong, and his boots as near 
an imitation of the veldschoen as possible. The Boer lady 
wears black cappies, black cashmere dresses, prints of a strong 
make, generally with a flowered pattern on a blue ground, 
known as German print, and strong boots. Of course in 
the towns and villages greater variety is required, and articles 
of finer make and style ; but the wardrobe of the up-country 
Boer people is, as a rule, made up as above described. 

A few of the men of the Kaffir tribes in the Transvaal 

1 Stad- Kaffir village. 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 



247 



dress in the same fashion as the Boers, their clothes being, 
as a rule, slightly inferior in quality, and some of the Kaffir 
women copy the Boer ladies in the same way ; but the 
majority of them retain the costume of their ancestors, which 
is as nearly as possible no costume at all except a blanket, 
and consequently there is a large trade done in the fancy 
coloured rugs which delight the eyes of the Kaffir belles. 
Fashion in the patterns of these rugs changes from year to 
year, just as decidedly as fashion changes in the Parisian 
confections of the London modiste, and a trader who has 
not the correct rug is handicapped for the season. Kaffirs 
buy beads, handkerchiefs, shirts, boots, Kaffir pots, earthen- 
ware bowls, tin billies, &c. As great numbers go down 
every year to work in the mines, and return each with ^20 
or .£30 in gold, they and their ladies can afford to purchase 
luxuries unheard of ten or twenty years ago. This up- 
country trade of the Transvaal is mostly in the hands of 
the old established firms, having numerous up-country 
branches, who were in the country before the war of inde- 
pendence in 1 88 1 ; many of these are now extremely wealthy. 
They have the business connections and are likely to retain 
the trade ; the new-comers in commerce have studied rather 
to supply the new population. 

The volume of Transvaal commerce is shown in the 
following return of goods imported via the different ports of 
entry : — 





1896. 


1897. 

£ 
3,469,550 
3,610,649 
5,611,916 

871,738 

13,563,853 


1898. 


Natal 

Cape Colony .... 
Orange Free State . . 


£ 

2,125,553 

2,991,063 
8,017,229 

944,3 2 5 
14,078,170 


£ 

i>77o,974 
2,984.569 

4,330,652 

910,289 

9,996,484 



The following returns show approximately the exports 
from Great Britain, America, and Germany to the Transvaal. 
The figures agree roughly with those given above, except 
those of 1898. These returns were kindly supplied by the 



248 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



British and South African Export Gazette, and on sending 
them the editor remarked : — 

" The German returns give the country of entry, but unfortunately 
the British and American do not, although the Colonial returns 
give the value of the British and American goods removed for con- 
sumption in the Transvaal. This is the best that can be done from 
official returns." 





1896. 


1897. 


1898. 


German exports to the Transvaal . 

British exports to Portuguese ) 
East Africa (Delagoa Bay, &c.) J 

United States exports to Portu-"j 
guese Africa (East and West V 
Coast) ..... j 

Approximate value of British and \ 
United States exports to the f 
Transvaal via the Cape Colony r 
and Natal .... J 

Approximate value of exports^ 
to Transvaal from all other v 
countries j 

Total Transvaal Imports . 


£ 

297.969 

977.073 
388,592 

12,174,496 
250,000 


£ 

339.74 8 
1,264,766 

373.694 
11,335,619 


£ 

457.150 

1,164,103 

422,600 

8,339,042 


250,000 


250,000 


14,088,130 


' 13.563.827 


10,632,895 



The exports in 1898 in raw gold alone were £ 1 6,044, 135. 
In 1899 the rate of production for the nine months worked 
was equal to a total for the year of about £20,000,000. 

The import trade of the United Kingdom for 1 898-99 was 
£487,745,163; for 1899-90, £512,675,794 ; the exports 
of goods made or produced in England were for 1898—99, 
£258,848,833 ; for 1 899-1900, £289,904,01 2. 1 These 
figures mean that, as regards import trade, the Transvaal 
returns stand, in an average year, in proportion to the 
returns of the import trade of Great Britain and Ireland, 
about as 1 to 39, and as regards export trade of home 
products about as 1 to 13; that is to say, that the 
United Kingdom imports thirty-nine times as much in a 
year as the Transvaal, while it only exports of its own 
products thirteen times as much as the Transvaal does of 
its own products. In other words, as an exporter of home 
goods, the United Kingdom is only equal to thirteen Trans- 

1 Hazel Ps Annual, 1901. 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 249 

vaals, while the ratio of population is as 160 to 1. 
Thus in the Transvaal, reckoning only on the results of the 
past, which in the future are certain to be largely extended, 
there has been added to the Empire a country equal in 
export production value to one-thirteenth of the United 
Kingdom. The time may come when the Transvaal pro- 
duction for export may be equal to as much as a quarter of 
that of the United Kingdom, and then Great Britain in that 
respect will be equal to only four Transvaals. 

Writing a few months before the outbreak of war, a 
correspondent of The Times thus contrasts South Africa with 
the greatest British Colonies — Australia and Canada. He 
says : " The principal source of anxiety in the industrial situa- 
tion in South Africa has of late years been a heavily prepon- 
derating balance of imports over exports. For the two years 
of 1896 and 1897 the excess of imports over exports was 
very great; but in 1898 the balance restored itself in favour 
of the export trade, and the figures of trade were £26,709,000 
worth of exports and £24,500,000 of imports, giving a com- 
bined total of £51,209,000. The entire population of South 
Africa does not yet reach 1,000,000 persons, and when this 
total of foreign trade is compared with the £61,000,000 
done by the 5,000,000 inhabitants of Canada, and with 
£74,000,000 of external trade done b}^ 4,500,000 inhabi- 
tants of Australasia, it is evident that some special circum- 
stance must govern South African trade with the outside 
world. The special circumstance is, of course, to be looked 
for in the very large output of gold and diamonds, and the 
fact that South Africa has to import almost everything re- 
quired by the white population. South Africa has practically 
no manufactures, and does not feed itself." l 

1 The trade returns of the Cape Colony and Natal for 1900 were approxi- 
mately : — Imports, 25^ millions; exports, g-} millions. Compared with 1899 
there was an increase in imports, chiefly foodstuffs, of about 2 millions. The 
principal item in the shortfall of exports was, of course, native gold from the 
Transvaal, which accounted for some 14 millions sterling. The total shortfall in 
exports was 17 millions. Wool, one of the most important South African products, 
had dropped from ^2,792,000 to ,£899,000. In diamonds there was a decline of 
,£701,000, in consequence of the De Beers Consolidated Mines not being able 
to resume work till after the Relief of Kimberley in February, and their 
operations having since been hindered by the difficulty of obtaining coal supplies. — 
Lord Welby, Annual Meeting, Standard Bank of South Africa, 16th April, 1901. 



250 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Germany and the United States have fully grasped the 
importance of the Transvaal in a commercial sense, and have 
made all the moves necessary to secure a great share of its 
trade. Great Britain, after the severe struggle now about to 
end, should endeavour to reap to the full her proportion of 
the advantages to come. Some of the goods required for the 
Transvaal must necessarily come from America on account of 
the special opportunities for their manufacture in that country, 
and the same is true as regards Germany, but the trade of 
both these countries is greatly extended through the energy 
and resource of the American and German manufacturers 
and agents. They know everything about advertising and 
pushing their goods ; they keep their names prominently to 
the front by means of trade journals and circulars, and 
they send competent men to the country itself to push 
their wares. An American who comes out to sell mining 
machinery or material can give the latest information 
about all new improvements and new experiments ; he 
can tell which is the best form and weight of rope to 
recommend for any given depth and weight of lift ; he 
can quote where this crusher has been tried successfully, 
and where that other has failed, and which is the best oil 
and packing, and which the best type of boiler or pump for 
any special purpose or work. The German in his line is 
similar in being a master of detail and practical knowledge. 
On the Rand a great volume of trade is diverted to these 
two countries which would otherwise go to Britain on 
account of the men who run the Rand being largely 
made up of Americans and Germans. Many of the mine 
engineers and managers are Americans, and a great number 
of the chemists are Germans. Both have profited by their 
training in mining in their own countries, the American in 
practical experience, and the German in the Freiburg School 
of Mines. It is quite easy to see that an American engineer 
accustomed to a certain type of machine, built, say, in Chicago, 
the capabilities and work of which he knows, and is certain 
to be satisfied with, will order the same for the mine on the 
Rand as he did for his previous mine in America. If 
English manufacturers sent their younger sons to learn 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 251 

mining engineering at the best schools which teach the 
science and then sent them out to the Rand, in a few years 
they would learn the requirements and begin to influence 
trade, that is, of course, if their fathers' firms kept to the 
front as manufacturers. Another cause for American success 
is to be found in despatch in execution of orders. English 
firms, especially for some years past, have appeared to give 
little consideration to new orders ; they appear to be so 
busy that they are indifferent about getting more trade. 
Orders for tubes, rails, locomotives, and pumps are continually 
going to America for this reason alone. 

The chief drawbacks to Transvaal commerce in the past 
have been the same which hindered the mines — heavy railway 
rates, heavy customs tariffs, heavy licences, transit dues through 
the Customs Union countries, &c. The Free State-Cape Colony 
and Natal Railway systems have fattened on Transvaal trade 
like a pair of strange calves sucking a cow in full milk, and 
that although the generous-natured beast had in the Nether- 
lands Railway an overgrown, ungrateful, and ungracious 
offspring of its own to support. Then there is the heavy 
charge of 3 per cent, in transit dues which the Customs 
Union Colonies levied like so much ransom money after the 
manner of brigands ; and to crown all, there were the customs 
duties of the Transvaal itself. These were far higher than 
would have been required for revenue purposes if the State 
had been well ordered. The new Government will be in a 
position to change all these things. In respect to railway 
rates and transit dues, it can, if need be, solve the problem 
by duplicating the Delagoa Bay line. 

The necessity of so drastic a measure is not likely to 
arise, because if the two Southern Colonies are reasonable 
there will be no inclination to treat them unfairly, rather 
may they expect special consideration as British Colonies. 

As regards import dues, undoubtedly the best solution for 
all parties, if it were possible, would be a general customs 
union and the abolition of all transit dues. The present 
terms granted to inland colonies which join the Customs 
Union are that they receive 8 5 per cent, of the receipts from 
customs duties on goods entering their country, the 1 5 per 



252 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

cent, being retained b} T the seaboard colony to cover the cost 
of collection. The cost of collecting the import duties in the 
Transvaal in 1898 was only £43,2 2 o. 1 Fifteen per cent, on 
Transvaal customs, as levied before the War, would come to 
£1 50,000, so the Transvaal would not gain much by entering 
on those terms. The general tariff in the Transvaal is j\ 
per cent, on the total made up by taking the original over-sea 
invoice and adding 20 per cent. The actual tariff is thus 
9 per cent., which with 3 per cent, transit dues to the 
Customs Union countries, makes a total of 12 per cent. 

The ordinary duty in the Customs Union is yh per cent., 
but there are heavy special duties, the policy of protection 
being something similar to that of the Transvaal. Jams and 
preserves in the Transvaal are charged 40s. per 100 lbs., 
and in the Customs Union 1 8s. gd. Rugs are liable to 20 
per cent, in the Customs Union, and to the ordinary tariff in 
the Transvaal and so on. 

The policy suited to the Transvaal is undoubtedly one 
of reduced tariffs, especially on food stuffs and on articles of 
necessar}' use in life. This is one of the chief possible wa} T s 
of reducing working costs on the mines. As long as the cost 
of living is kept high, the poorer mines cannot be worked. 
The taxation must be shifted from effort and placed on result. 
A reduction of 50 per cent, should be decided on imme- 
diately, while an endeavour should be made to come to 
terms with the Customs Union. If the Cape Colony 
refuses to come to a satisfactory agreement, it cannot be 
helped. 

The Cape Colony, as the predominant partner hitherto, 
would probably find it difficult to sacrifice its cherished plans 
of protecting its farming and wine-growing interests, but it 
would have to decide whether that sacrifice would not be 
worth its while, seeing that only in this way could it retain 
its great hold on the Transvaal carrying trade. The anomaly 
of brandy in the Colony going free of taxation, while the 
revenue it should produce is obtained by means of the imposts 
on the food supplies of the Transvaal, cannot be continued. 

1 Not including the Netherlands Railway charges for collecting customs at 
Komati Poort. 



INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE 253 

At any rate, the Transvaal should see that, in case the 
Cape Colony refuses to tax brandy, that it will not be able to 
make up the required revenue from the Transvaal. Already 
Natal, the latest colony to join the Union, is showing signs 
of dissatisfaction with the tariff, and, when the present term 
is up, it will either have to be made to suit her wishes, or 
she will almost certainly retire from the partnership. The 
Transvaal, in coming in, would give stability and power to the 
whole combination, and every one would benefit in the long- 
run by the adoption of the policy best suited to the develop- 
ment of the Transvaal mines. That policy lies in the 
reduction of tariffs, reduction of railway rates, reduction of 
licences, and reduction of every charge which goes to make 
up the initial cost of mining, and taking the revenue instead 
from the results obtained. 

Besides the assured great future of Transvaal mining, 
reckoning only on the present mines, and its attendant great 
prosperity gained for Transvaal commerce, there is the 
greater future to be assured by bringing low-grade ores 
into the sphere of practical exploitation. If this were done, 
it would double or treble the future of both. It has been 
shown that a moderate estimate of the gold value of the 
Rand, as already known and for the most part proved, 
amounts to over two thousand one hundred millions sterling, 
and that fourteen hundred millions of this gold, more or 
less, will have to be expended to secure its extraction. 
By looking in the direction to which these facts point, the 
vast possibilities of Transvaal trade can be seen extending 
into lines of millions and millions of pounds sterling in 
gold on one side, and millions and millions of tons of goods 
on the other. And when the gold is finished, there is still a 
vista of prosperity in the permanent trade and industry of 
the country, which by that time will have been established 
in its agriculture, its plantations, its ironworks, and its coal- 
mines, and its hundred resources other than gold. 



CHAPTER XVII 

THE RAILWAYS 

The Netherlands Railway, now the Imperial 

Military Railway. 

Financial. 

If the Netherlands Railway were dealt with as an asset, 
confiscated and taken over by the new Colony, this inquiry 
would be limited to an account of the value of the property 
and its earning power for the new Colony, but other con- 
siderations may be necessary. It is true that the Imperial 
Government took over the railway after legitimate reasons for 
its confiscation appeared to have been brought out before the 
Concessions Commission last October, when it was clearly 
shown that the Company had not been neutral during the 
War, but had entered the field as an active combatant, in that 
it had manufactured ammunition and partly paid destruction 
commandos engaged in blowing up bridges and wrecking rail- 
ways on British territory. It is also true that the capital of the 
Company is principally in the form of debentures guaranteed 
by the late Government, a guarantee which the Imperial 
Government might in any case repudiate, more especially in 
connection with a concern such as the Netherlands Railway. 
Still the Imperial Government may decide to pay out the deben- 
ture-holders and shareholders, or at least those of them who 
may be able to show that they had nothing to do with the 
warlike policy of the Company. Such liberal arrangements 
by the Imperial Government, it will be seen, could only be 
on the basis of repayment at or under par, because in view 
of the heavy claim it has against the Company the new 
Government would surely not be bound by the terms of the 

concession regarding expropriation. The capital of the Com- 

254 



THE RAILWAYS 



255 



pany is shown in the balance-sheet for 1899 to amount to 
£1,166,666, 13s. 4d., in 14,000 shares of 1000 florins each. 
Of this amount the late Government held, in 1899, 5713 
shares; and it was reported recently that 1000 of these had 
been disposed of by the late Government, chiefly in Holland ; 
also that of the balance of the shares 6836 were held in 
Germany and Austria, the value being reckoned at 130 per 
cent, above par. Of the remainder of the shares, it may 
be estimated that a large proportion will be found to be held 
by parties who were responsible for the policy of direct 
participation in the War. 

Proceeding on the assumption that the Imperial 
Government will partly discharge the liabilities of the late 
Government, in respect of the railway, to those shareholders 
and debenture-holders who had no means of preventing the 
Company from departing from the correct policy of neutrality, 
the following statement may be made up : — 



14,000 shares of 1000 florins each at par 

Less 5713 shares held by late Government 

at par (assuming that transfers passed 

after the outbreak of war will not be 

recognised) ...... 

Par value of shares held by public in Europe 
or elsewhere ..... 

Deduct, say, ,£100,000, for shares which may 
be found to be held by parties respon- 
sible for the warlike acts of the Com- 
pany ....... 

Say nett shares at par 



£"1,166,666 13 4 



476,333 ° ° 



.£690,333 o o 



100,000 o o 
£"59°>333 ° ° 



The debentures guaranteed by the late Government, 
according to the balance-sheet 1 of 1899, are as follows: — 



£ 454,ooo o 

1,208,583 6 

663,250 o 

1,250,000 o 

1.083,333 6 



o at 4 per cent. 
8 



o 
o 
8 



£"4,659, 166 13 4 



5> 



JJ 



)> 



') 



,£4,659,166 13 4 



1 Published in the Financial News, October 17, 1900 



256 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Brought forward . . ,£4,659,166 13 4 

,£350,000 at 5 per cent 350,000 o o 

,£2,200,000 at 4 per cent., 1 raised in Hol- 
land in 1899 to repay the ,£2,000,000 ad- 
vanced to the Company by the late Gov- 
ernment, the proceeds of the Rothschild 
loan. (The 1898 balance-sheet shows the 
amount as a loan from the Government at 
5.8 per cent.) 2,200,000 o o 

^7,209,166 13 4 
Less held by the late Government . . . 893,400 o o 

Total debentures held by the public in Europe 

and elsewhere ^6,315,766 13 4 

Deduct, say, ,£500,000 for debentures which 
may be found to be held by parties re- 
sponsible for the warlike acts of the Com- 
pany . . . ... . . .£500,000 o o 

Nett debentures at par . . ,£5,815,766 13 4 

The assets of the Company which remain in the country 
would appear from the balance-sheet to be as follows : — 

Railways ,£6,254,406 17 o 

Tramways and coal mines at Springs 

and Geduld .... 756,660 1 9 
Balance of interest paid during con- 
struction 2 . . . . 127,876 6 1 
Difference between nominal amount 

and issue price of loans 2 . . 314.047 7 5 

Klerksdorp railway .... 697,384 17 10 

Inventory property . . . . 187,109 6 11 

Locomotives ..... 552,681 3 5 

Rolling stock ..... 1,025,088 16 6 

Goods at sea (landed at East London) 4i?403 15 10 

Goods at stores .... 308,882 13 9 

Works in construction . . . j 3j896 14 7 

.£ IO >279>43 8 * 1 

Besides these assets, there were amounts of cash and 
amounts due to the Company, some of which may be recover- 
able or may have already been received. 

On the showing of the balance-sheet the assets of the 

1 The repayment of this loan is rather unfortunate, as meantime the money is 
gone, and the new Government will have both the debenture-holders in Holland 
to pay and the Rothschild stock as well. 

2 These two items are considered to be part of the cost of the railway. 



THE RAILWAYS 257 

Company are considerably above the liabilities, but it must 
be remembered that extravagant prices were paid for the 
construction of the railway. According to Mr. Fitzpatrick, 1 
in some cases as much as £2 3,000 per mile was paid for 
work which could have been done at about ^8000. It 
also appears from the balance-sheet that amounts expended 
for widening railways, for locomotives, for rolling-stock and 
goods were paid out of the reserve fund ; or, in other words, 
from past profits, which it might be found should, in terms 
of the Concession, partly belong to the Government. These 
payments amounted to £1,897,552, is. 8d., and the Govern- 
ment's share is shown in the following statement : — 

Reserve Fund. 



2 



From railway profits .... £1,254,240 13 

From Netherlands Railway Company . 643,311 8 6 

All expended on extension works 

and rolling-stock . . . £1,897,552 1 8 

Government's share of profits carried to 
reserve as above, on basis of profit 
division, viz. 85 per cent. . . ,£1, 066,104 13 2 

The Netherlands Com- 
pany on basis of 
profit division, viz. 

15 per cent. . £188,136 o o 

Advanced to reserve 

fund . . . 643,311 8 6 

831,447 8 6 



,£1,897,552 1 8 

Further, there was an amount of £548,000 due to the 
late Government on account of money lent for the building 
of Klerksdorp line. 

Then a question arises which lawyers will, no doubt, be 
called upon to decide. It is, who is to pay for the damages 
done by the Netherlands Company's management and em- 
ployees to the Natal, Cape Colony, and Free State railways — 
bridges, permanent way, and rolling stock ? It seems that 
the cost of making good these damages might quite fairly be 

1 " Transvaal from Within." 

R 



258 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

charged against the Netherlands Company. There are also 
the damages done to the Netherlands Company's own line 
and rolling-stock by the Netherlands' employees. It appears 
reasonable that in the case of these damages also the cost of 
making them good should be charged against the Company. 
The total bill for all these will probably not fall far short of 
£2, 000,000. 

Summing up all these amounts, some of which are cer- 
tainly, due by the Company, and others more or less probable, 
as follows : — 

Cash lent by the late Government for Klerks- 
dorp line .£548,000 

Damages done to railways by Netherlands 
Company's management and employees, 
say ....... 2,000,000 

The late Government's share of past profits 
applied to construction and purchase of 
rolling stock (reserve fund) . . . 1,066,104 

The late Government's debentures . . 893,400 

The late Government's shares, 5713 at par . 47 6 >333 



.£4,983,837 



Deducting this total amount from the assets taken over 
as shown above : — 

Assets taken over ^10,279,438 

Less possible debits 4,983,837 

Nett assets to be paid for . . ^5,295,601 

or considerably less than would be required to partly repay 
the debenture-holders. 

The Netherlands Company has of course a contra ac- 
count against the late Transvaal Government for railway 
work done during the War, and it will doubtless also charge 
for the manufacture of shells and ammunition, and possibly 
for the work done by the destruction commandos in blowing 
up bridges. But it does not seem reasonable that the new 
Government should hold itself liable to pay for these services. 

The Company also had available or on hand on December 
31, 1899:— 



THE RAILWAYS 259 



Bonds of the 4 per cent. 
Stock account securities 
Deposits and short bills account . 
Deposited securities . 
Cash in Holland and South Africa 
Labouchere Oyens & Co., Amsterdam 
National Bank, Pretoria 
London 



j> )> 



,£9,416 


13 


4 


165,789 


16 





425,856 


I 


4 


24,000 








12,523 





2 


16,903 


7 


8 


123,500 


i5 


8 


^159 


10 


5 



.£779,149 4 7 
And the following doubtful account : — 

The South African Republic (Messrs. Kruger and others), Dr. for — 
Fares, carriage, delivery, &c. . . ,£305,936 15 n 

If the amounts estimated for damage done to railways 
in South Africa prove to be excessive, or any of the above- 
mentioned debits are found to be unreasonable ; or if the new 
Government recognises any claim for payment of goodwill 
on taking over the railway and its business ; and if on these 
accounts a balance is found available for payment to the 
shareholders after the debentures are paid ; then it must be 
remembered that if such balance exceeds the amount re- 
quired to pay out the legitimate shareholders at par the new 
Government would be joint-owners in any surplus to the 
extent of about T 5 T V as holders of 5713 of the shares. 

Working of the Railway. 

Coming to the working of the railway, the report for 
1898 shows that there were 1 147 kilometres of railway line 
open and working. The main line is that from Delagoa 
Bay to Pretoria and Johannesburg. The following were the 
receipts and expenses for 1896-97-98 x : — 

1 For the year 1899 the receipts and expenses were as follows : — 

Railway receipts £2,580,098 15 5 

Other receipts 96,804 17 9 

£2,676,903 13 2 

Working costs .£1,297,653 1 3 

Interest and dividends ..... 358,995 16 8 

To Reserve Fund ..... 2 53,534 l ° 

*To management and staff (5 per cent, bonus) 38,336 o 9 

*To the Government ..... 651,712 12 1 

Balance to shareholders .... 76,672 1 5 

£2,676,903 13 2 
* Article 34 of the Concession. 



260 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 





1896. 


1897. 


1898. 


Receipts . 
Working costs and ) 
interest on capital j 

Profits 


£ *■ d. 
2,903,516 5 

1,197,841 18 8 
1,705,674 1 9 


£ s. d. 

3,008,091 16 8 
1,518,044 7 9 


£ * d. 
2,617,612 5 2 

1,346,947 14 5 


1,490,047 8 11 


1,270,664 8 9 



The average receipts over the 

three years were . . ;£*2, 843,073 6 9 
The average costs . . . 1,354,278 o 3 

The average profits . . . ^1,488,795 6 6 
The percentages of expenditure to total receipts were 



for- 



1896. 1897. 1898. 

41.25% 50.46% 5146% 

The rates charged on the railway were too high all 
round, and on some articles even extortionate. The rates 
on carriage of coal and articles of absolute necessity to the 
mines were more than double those charged in Cape Colony. 
The following statement was submitted to the Concession 
Commission by the legal adviser of the Johannesburg Chamber 
of Commerce : — 

"The following are the correct comparative rates in October 
1899 : — 



n& 



Normal. 



Cape . 

Orange Free State 

Natal 



Netherlands — 
Cape and Orange Free State 
Natal .... 



Per Ton 

per Mile. 
2.34d. 
2.34d. 
3.24d. 

7-3 d - 
4-74d. 



Inter- 


Rough 


mediate. 


Goods. 
Per Ton 


Per Ton 


per Mile. 


per Mile. 


i.7d. 


i.6d. 


i.7d. 


i.6d. 


2.28d. 


2.2ld. 


6.i 5 d. 


3 .8d. 


3 .8d. 


2.8d. 



" The coal rate on the Cape and Natal railways is Jd. per ton 
per mile. On the Netherlands Railway the coal rate varies according 
to distance, and is on the zone system, which works out for a long 
distance, say Middelburg to Middle Vaal River, 173 miles, at .83d. 
per ton per mile, but on the line from Springs to Johannesburg, 
which would represent the bulk of the coal traffic, the rate is 2.03d. 



THE RAILWAYS 261 

per mile. The average local rates for normal goods on the various 
systems for 150 miles is as follows : — 

Netherlands Railway . . 6d. per ton per mile. 

Cape „ . . 4.3d. 

Natal „ 4d. ,, 

Mr. Rouliot, in his speech to the Chamber of Mines in 
January, 1899, stated: — 

" The average distance to which coal is carried for the mines is 
25^ miles. For this distance the Netherlands Company charge 4s. 5d. 
or 2.o8d. per ton per mile, whereas the tariff for the same dis- 
tance in the Free State and Cape Colony is is. 3d. or -59d. per 
ton per mile, and in Natal, 2s. equal to .94d. per ton per mile. 
It is true that the Netherlands Railways return as their costs per 
train mile for all descriptions of traffic a much higher figure than 
the neighbouring states ; they reckon it as at 7s. 8d., whereas the 
Orange Free State reckon 4s., the Cape 4s. 4d., and Natal 4s. iod. 
I do not understand why these costs are given at so high a figure 
here, but, assuming that it is right, they ought not at any rate to 
charge more than double what is charged in the Free State and the 
Cape, which would mean 3s. 6d. for 25 J miles, instead of 4s. 5d. as 
at present." 

The average rate for coal, being 2.0 5d. per ton per mile 
over the principal coal line, Springs to Randfontein, should 
be reduced by one-half by the new Government. In fact, 
an all-round reduction of one-third or more on the former 
tariff both for passenger fares and for goods rates might 
well be made by the new administration. Passenger fares 
might even be reduced by one- half. 

These reductions should be made discriminatingly. Rates, 
such as those on coal and other articles, which are found to 
be seriously hindering commerce or industry or agriculture 
should be reduced by one-half or more, while rates on other 
articles, a reduction of which would not advance the general 
interest of the country and only be a needless loss of revenue 
to the railway, should be maintained. The matter is one to 
be dealt with by experts on the management of railways. 

Nor would the railway be likely to lose in the long run 
by such a policy of wholesale reduction. The volume of 
trade would increase enormously. A large trade could be 
opened up for the carriage of coal and base metals to the 
seaports. Despite its lavish rate of expenditure for working 



262 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

costs, even the Netherlands Company would, if it had adopted 
such a progressive policy, have greatly increased its profits. 
But there is no doubt that the new administration, simul- 
taneously with lowering the rates, would bring down working 
costs, so that a reduction of 33 per cent, on the tariff would 
not be likely to greatly affect the balance of profits. Further, 
the charges on account of capital would have been greatly 
reduced. 

Assuming then, first, that the Imperial Government 
decides to pay, say, £5,500,000 to the old debenture and 
shareholders, and £2,000,000 to Rothschilds, and that it 
raises money to pay the total amount of £7,500,000 at 
4 per cent., the annual charge for interest would amount to 
£300,000. 

Assuming, secondly, that after a reduction of 33 per 
cent, on the rates, the average profit will not fall more than 
25 per cent, below the last three years' average, the follow- 
ing would result : — 

Average yearly profits . . . £"1,488,795 6 6 
Less 25 per cent. . . . 372,198 16 7 

£1, 116,596 9 11 
Deducting annual interest on 

£"7,500,000, at 4 per cent. . 300,000 o o 

Nett Government revenue . . £"816,596 9 n 
Or say, £"800,000, as against £"700,000 to £"800,000, accruing to 
the Government under the old administration. 

The management which would be the best for the Trans- 
vaal Government railwa}^ would be one similar to those of 
the Cape Colony and Natal. The general manager should 
have had experience in working colonial lines, which require 
different treatment in many respects to that applicable to the 
great home railways. 

In Natal in 1897 the railways brought a nett profit to 
the Government of £204,731, after paying interest at 4 per 
cent, on capital. 

In the same year, and be it remarked that 1897 is a 
fairly representative year, the total earnings of the Cape 
Colonial railways were £3,070,897. The expenses were 



THE RAILWAYS 263 

£1,898,316, showing a nett profit of £1,725,810. The 
percentage of expenses to total revenue was 61.8. The 
capital invested was £18,935,559, the nett profits being at 
the rate of £6, 2s. 6d. per cent. 

In the Orange Free State the railways were taken over 
from the Cape Colony on the 1st January 1897. The 
price paid for the railways and equipment was £2,590,796. 
After pa}dng £70,000 interest on capital the nett profits 
came to nearly £500,000 for the year, equal to about 
20 per cent, on the capital. Expenses were 40.5 of the 
gross revenue. 

These figures, showing the profits of the railways of the 
neighbouring colonies, tend to prove that the estimated nett 
revenue of £800,000, after reducing rates by one-third, for 
Transvaal railways, is a moderate one, and it is highly 
probable that within a year or two it will increase to one 
or one and a half millions. 

Mr. A. Cooper-Key l compares the actual profit of the 
Netherlands Company in the years 1896, 1897, 1898, with 
a reasonable profit, reckoned at 4| per cent., as earned by 
the Cape Government railways on the capital, shares and 
debentures, and brings out the excess profits as follows : — 

1896 ,£1,162,925 

1897 1,111,964 

1898 928,623 

an average of over a million in each of these three years 
over the fair trading profit of the Cape system. He con- 
tinues : " It is axiomatic that new territories should be 
possessed of the best and cheapest railway facilities." 

Therein he is undoubtedly correct, and the above pro- 
posed reduction of 33 J per cent., with its estimated surplus 
profit of £816,596 for one year, should be considered as 
only a temporary arrangement, partly for the sake of revenue 
purposes. To begin with very drastic reductions, bringing 
down the profits to, say, a 4 per cent, basis, would seriously 
dislocate the whole traffic arrangements of the Cape Colony 
and Natal railways, because goods could then be brought 

Why Kruger Made War," J. A. Buttery, p. 260. 



1 «< 



264 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

via Delagoa Bay at about one-half the cost at which they 
could be over these systems. This at present is not 
desirable. 

Pretoria-Pietersburg Railway. 

This railway is next in importance to the Netherlands. 
Reports of directors and statements of accounts for the years 
ended 31st December 1898 and 1899 show: — 

Share capital, 50,000 ^10 shares = ^500,000, of which 
^300,000 belonged to the Transvaal Government, and have been 
taken possession of by the English Government. 

Debenture capital issued to 31st December 1899,^1,005,400. 
4 per cent, on share and debenture capital guaranteed by the 
Transvaal Government. 

Total length of line, 177 miles. 

First section, to Nylstroom, 81 J miles, opened on 1st July 1898. 

Second section, to Pietpotgietersrust, 137J miles, opened on 
1st October 1898. 

Third section, to Pietersburg, 177 miles, opened on 31st May 
1899. 

The traffic for the four and a half months ending 1 3th 
October 1899, during which the whole length of the line 
was open, and through traffic with the ports was established, 
was as follows : — 

Number of passengers carried . . . . 45,6 n 
Tons of goods, &c., hauled .... 7,402 



Receipts from passenger traffic (including 

excess baggage and parcels) . -^25,858 16 11 

Receipts from goods, &c. . . . 8,695 10 2 

Miscellaneous receipts ...» 665 9 7 



Total receipts .... -^35> 2I 9 16 8 
Total expenses (excluding 10 per 

cent. Reserve Fund charge) . 22,227 18 n 



Profit ( = 36.8 of receipts) . .^12,991 17 9 

Percentage of working expenses to receipts, 63.2. 

This result was obtained in spite of the commercial 
stagnation resulting from the political crisis, which particu- 
larly affected the north-bound goods traffic. 

A large proportion of the revenue from passenger traffic 



THE RAILWAYS 265 

on the railway was obtained from the transport of native 
labour for the mines, the line serving districts with a very 
numerous Kaffir population, and it has been the object of the 
Company to foster this traffic by reduced rates and good 
accommodation. 

Throughout almost its entire length the line passes 
through country rich in soil, and suitable for agricultural or 
grazing purposes, but which has not yet been developed to 
any extent. Mealies are grown in considerable quantities, 
but principally by Kaffirs. The districts where the largest 
areas are under cultivation are Hammanskraal, Nylstroom, 
Pietpotgietersrust, and Pietersburg. 

A large number of mining poles were conveyed from 
Pienaar's River, a fair tonnage of limestone from Vaalbosch- 
fontein, and of firewood from Nylstroom. 

The hot springs at Warmbaths attracted a considerable 
number of visitors from Johannesburg. 

Ermelo Railway. 

This is an Anglo-Dutch Company. 

Route, — From Machadodorp through Carolina to Ermelo, 
distance 72 miles. Country between Machadodorp and 
Carolina broken and rugged, and construction somewhat 
costly. From Carolina to Ermelo over high veld, and com- 
paratively easy. 

Capital. — £300,000, guaranteed by late Government at 
3 \ per cent., in which Government holds large interest. Line 
to be built at cost price (approximate, £8000 per mile), and 
remainder of capital to be raised by debentures. 

Construction. — Earthworks and masonry; now finished to 
Carolina, and plans and surveys finished for the whole dis- 
tance. Maximum gradient 1.50, and minimum curve radius 
200 metres. About a year required to finish construction. 
The Company has avoided letting any very large contracts, 
letting the work out in sections by public tender, and thus 
securing low rates and efficient supervision. 

Probable Traffic. — Between Carolina and Ermelo good 
coal abounds. Ermelo coal compares favourably with any 



266 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

other coal in the Transvaal. The position of the line will 
enable it to compete for the coal market at Delagoa Bay. 
Wool will be an important source of revenue, as the line 
passes through a district that now sends much wool by 
waggon to Natal. Cattle and horses, for which this district 
is noted, should be another large item. The towns of Caro- 
lina and Ermelo, although themselves not large, are the 
distributing centres of a large population, whose local needs 
must be supplied by the railway. The majority of goods 
entering and leaving Swaziland will also pass over the line, 
as they are now shipped from Machadodorp. 

Extension of Line. — The line should be extended to 
make a junction with the Natal-Johannesburg line near the 
Natal border, and thus become the connecting link between 
Durban and Delagoa. Natal, moreover, is the chief wool 
market, and merchants of the Ermelo district have been in 
the habit of obtaining their merchandise from there. All 
the trade of Swaziland would thus be secured. To facilitate 
Swaziland trade a line should be built from the neighbour- 
hood of Carolina via Lake Chrissie into Swaziland, which 
might eventually make connection with the coast. Another 
important connection would be Ermelo and Springs, bringing 
the centre of the high veld into touch with the Rand and with 
its store of coal and agricultural produce. In connection 
with the future of the line there must be remembered the 
large deposits of iron which will some day supply the raw 
material for a great industry, lying as they do in juxtaposition 
to good coal. A line has already been surveyed from Machado- 
dorp to Lydenburg, which will help to make the Ermelo 
Railway a portion of a trunk line, running north and south 
through the eastern half of the Transvaal, and bringing to it 
much through traffic to Natal. 

Selati Railway. 

Komati Poort to Leydsdorp, 217 miles — only 71 miles 
constructed. 

Share capital .... ^500,000 

Debenture capital . . . 1,500,000 



THE RAILWAYS 267 

Both shares and debentures guaranteed by the late 
Government. 

The maximum cost for building the line under the con- 
tract was £9600 per mile. The Company arranged with a 
contractor to build at that price, and the contractor soon 
afterwards sublet the contract to another at £2600 per mile 
less — the first contractor thereby immediately made a profit 
of £564,200 without doing any work whatever. Only 71 
miles were constructed when the work was stopped. Later 
the Government repudiated the contract, and a series of 
lawsuits followed, during the hearing of which some very 
disgraceful facts came out, clearly showing that members of 
the Government and Volksraad had received bribes. 

If it were not for the hardships that would result to 
innocent holders of debentures, the new Government should 
repudiate the whole business and confiscate, and, if deemed 
advisable, complete the railway. 



Vryheid Railway. 

Buffalo River to Vryheid, 39 miles. 

Government railway under construction. The contract, 
which was obtained by Mr. Lukas Meyer, and in which 
General Botha was reported to have had some interest, 
provides that the line shall be built for the price of £292,000. 



General Railway Policy. 

The following memoranda on the best railway policy for 
the future have been contributed by two gentlemen, who 
have been all their lives connected with railways. One 
is a manager of a South African railway, and has had 
large experience in the management of railways in South 
America. The other is engineer to an important company. 
The views of both are well worth considering. The first 
says : — 

" General Railway Policy for the Country. — The policy should 
be on the general lines of connecting the country districts with the 



268 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Transvaal markets, so that food stuffs may be sent into them, and 
also to give easy access to the ports for minerals, hides, wool, &c. 
It is also important to tap the districts from which native labour can 
be drawn. These are generally very suitable for agricultural pur- 
poses, as is instanced by the majority of the local grain consumed in 
the country coming from them, notably in the districts opened up by 
the Pretoria-Pietersburg railway, and in those to the east and west 
of the northern portion of it. 

" Up till now the principal object in view has apparently been 
to make connection with the ports, and little has been done towards 
facilitating the development of outlying districts by giving them 
railway communication. 

" Provision having thus been chiefly made for the importation of 
goods, generally highly taxed, would account to a great extent for 
the high cost of living. 

" Some railways which, if built, would, in my opinion, serve the 
purposes of development of the country, are the following : — 

" Machadodorp to Ernielo. — (At present under construction.) 

" Pretoria to Zeerust {passing through Rustenburg). — This line 
would pass through a rich cattle and mineral country, and open up 
lands producing cereals, fruit, tobacco, &c. 

"An instance of the want of communication with the chief 
markets is to be found in the case of forage, which is generally 
obtainable in the Zeerust district at a third of the price paid for it 
in Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

" Surveys have already been made of the portion of the suggested 
Pretoria-Zeerust line between Pretoria and Rustenburg, and easy 
country has been encountered. 

" Another useful branch to the important centre of Rustenburg 
might be made from Krugersdorp. 

"Machadodorp and Pi/grim's Rest. — This would be rather an 
expensive line as regards construction, but it would tap a rich grain 
and cattle country, and also connect the Lydenburg Gold Fields 
with the trunk line. 

"An alternative line to this is one from Nelspruit to Pilgrhrts 
Rest, which gives Pilgrim's Rest a much shorter connection with the 
coast, but against this it does not tap an agricultural or grazing 
country, or provide the means of transport to the markets for the 
cattle and agricultural produce of the Lydenburg district. 

" Pietersburg to the Limpopo River. — This line would open up a 
large area of country, which at the present time is more isolated than 
any other part of the Transvaal. From it a very large supply of 
native labour for the mines could be drawn, and it would furnish a 
large quantity of mining timber, which is at the present so scarce in 
the Transvaal. 

"This line would also open up rich agricultural and grazing 
lands. Tobacco has been most successfully grown in the Zoutpans- 
berg district, which is also rich in minerals. 



THE RAILWAYS 269 

"A further advantage from the construction of this extension 
would be the bringing of the southern portion of Rhodesia within 
reach of the port of Delagoa Bay. 

" Middelburg to Springs. — This line would shorten the distance 
between Johannesburg and Delagoa Bay by about 40 miles. Its 
chief advantage would be that it would tap the Middelburg coal 
district, and would consequently have a large coal traffic. From its 
position this line should form part of the Transvaal Imperial Rail- 
way, and would, I think, be from the first a paying concern. 

" Klerksdorp to Fourteen Streams. — This line would give a con- 
siderably shorter route from Cape Town to Johannesburg via Kim- 
berley, besides joining the two largest mining centres in South 
Africa. 

" Murchison Range. — In the future no doubt a railway will have 
to be built to open up the Murchison Range Gold Fields, but 
whether it would be advisable to do this by extending the Selati 
Railway, or by an extension from Pilgrim's Rest of the suggested 
line to that place, is doubtful. 

" Encouragement for Capital to Build Railways by Government 
Guarantee. — In this country farming is at present in too backward a 
state to provide an immediate paying local traffic, and the railways 
would have to be built with a view to developing the country, not to 
exploit what is already developed. The country itself is rich enough, 
but it would be difficult to get people to invest their capital where 
the present circumstances do not guarantee a certain immediate 
return. It should therefore, I think, be the policy of the Govern- 
ment to develop districts by guaranteeing the railways which are 
necessary for this purpose. The result of enabling people to grow 
and sell their food stuffs in the country would be that the gold of 
the country would remain in it and produce a lasting agricultural 
wealth. It would, I think, also follow that the cost of living would 
be reduced. 

" In the course of a few years the development of the districts 
traversed by the railways should give them such a local traffic that 
they would not require to draw upon the guarantee of the Govern- 
ment, but would pay their own way. 

" State and Private Railways. — The present Imperial Military 
Railway will, without doubt, become a State Railway, and will be a 
powerful factor in the future development and welfare of the country, 
controlling as it does the chief trade routes. From the peculiar cir- 
cumstances of the case the late Netherlands system has become a 
Government railway, but I do not think that this should prevent 
private railway enterprise in the country. A healthy competition in 
the matter of railway working is, I think, decidedly for the benefit of 
the country, and, provided that the tariffs of all private railways 
were controlled by the Government, it would be impossible for them 
to make undue profits. The mining, commercial, and general 
interests in regard to railway rates and service should, I think, 



270 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

be safeguarded by a railway board, composed of representatives of 
the Government and of the business community." 

The second says : — 



" Railway Influence on Land Values. — I have no exact figures 
to go on with regard to increase in value, but it may be broadly 
stated that it does certainly rise in value, the speculators being 
always anxious to find out the exact routes in order that they may 
take up options or make purchases. The Dutch farmer himself has 
already recognised the fact, and no longer opposes railways with his 
old bitterness. The most enlightened Boers now wish for railways 
through their farms, and the rest generally agree that it is a desirable 
thing to have a railway running through their neighbour's ground if 
not on their own, which would be rather too near. The most valu- 
able farms at present are certainly those situated on the present 
lines of railway. The effect on town property is always immediate ; 
stands double their value as soon as it is known that a station will 
be placed close to them. 

" Gauges. — South Africa has already adopted a narrow gauge 
which has been condemned by many engineers as a standard gauge, 
owing to the difficulties of handling large traffic and running any 
considerable speed over the main lines. The only advantage of 
narrow gauges is the possibility of making sharper curves, and thus 
avoiding earthworks and masonry in difficult country. To further 
narrow the gauge in the lines now proposed would seem entirely 
indefensible. These lines are all to tap main centres, and will in 
time become main routes which will be extended and have feeders. 
With equal weight of metals, not more than 15 per cent, saving on 
first costs, if that, could be effected, a sum not justified by the extra 
cost of working due to transhipment. It must also be remembered 
that the cost of changing a narrow gauge to the standard gauge is 
far in excess of the saving in the construction." 

The general policy recommended is encouragement of 
private enterprise in railway building with Government con- 
trol of costs of construction, maximum rates for traffic, and 
Government guarantee of moderate interest. On these lines 
there is no doubt but that capital would eagerly compete for 
the work, and the country could be opened up without the 
Government requiring to find the many millions for railways 
which some writers on the subject have deemed necessary. 

The following memorandum of proposed railways for open- 
ing up the Zoutpansberg district has been kindly sent by Mr. 
H. W. Schneider of Pretoria : — 



THE RAILWAYS 271 

I. Pietersburg to Leydsdorp, Selati terminus, distance about 

97 miles. 

II. Branch Line from Koedoes River to Klein Letaba Goldfields, 

distance about 35 miles. 

III. Branch Li?iefrom Klein Letaba Goldfields to Klein Spelonken 

and Magatoland, distance about 70 miles. 

This branch line could be extended to Rhodesia (Fort Salis- 
bury), and would bring Buluwayo into direct communi- 
cation with Delagoa Bay, being nearly a straight line. 

IV. Pietersburg to Magatoland and Klein Spelonken, distance about 

70 miles. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

SUMMARY OF RESOURCES AND CROWN ASSETS 

To summarise the resources of the Transvaal is a difficult 
task ; the best that can be done is to estimate from the 
available data the probable yearly production. In respect 
of gold and coal this can be done with considerable accuracy, 
but as regards other resources it is either very difficult or 
altogether impossible owing to the absence of reliable data. 
Only a vague idea can be obtained of the probable yield of 
diamonds, iron, lead, silver, and other minerals, these mining 
industries being as yet undeveloped. The same may be said 
of the land and its products in crops and live stock. No 
agricultural statistics were ever compiled by the late Trans- 
vaal Government. A beginning will be made with the 
minerals. 

Gold. 

The Rand. — In considering the probable yearly production 
of gold, the estimates will be based on the reduced working 
costs which would result from the adoption of the policy 
recommended in previous chapters and finally summarised in 
Chapter XX., that is, the reduction of taxation in the cost of 
production. The first inquiry must be directed to the question 
of what the saving will be. Mr. C. B. Going, reflecting the 
opinion of Mr. John Hays Hammond in an article in the 
Engineering Magazine in 1900, estimated a difference of 6s. 
per ton of ore between good and bad government, and an 
increase in profits of from £7500 to £12,000 per claim. 
He notes the facts that although the yield of gold was 2s. 2d. 
per ton less in 1898 than it was in 1892, the dividends paid 
were at the rate of 13s. 2d. per ton in 1898 as against 8s. 

in 1892, and whereas only 19 per cent, of the gold was 

272 



RESOURCES AND CROWN ASSETS 273 

distributed in dividends in 1892, 32 per cent, was distributed 
in 1898. 

This enhanced profit resulted from improved methods of 
working and from the comparatively insignificant alleviation 
of taxation after the Transvaal Industrial Commission had 
made its report. 1 

A reduction of 5 s. per ton would bring the range of 
working costs down to from about 14s. to about 26s. per 
ton, with an average of about 22s. 6d. ; 5 dwts. ore could 
then be worked at a profit on many mines where the reefs 
are thick. The enormous amount of available wealth which 
depends on this 5s. will be realised when it is stated that 
the cost of the War could easily be paid out of this saving 
on known areas alone. When in full swing in, say, four or 

1 The improvement in metallurgical science on the Rand has been consistent. 
Mr. J. R. Williams, in his inaugural address at the meeting of the Chemical and 
Metallurgical Society at Johannesburg in June 1899, remarked that " ten years 
ago the only metallurgical operation on the Rand for the recovery of gold was 
the stamp-mill, and fine gold and amalgam were abundant in the tailings." The 
cyanide process for the treatment of tailings has entirely altered the history of 
the Rand, for at one time it was thought it would be impossible to extract the 
precious metal from ore mined below what is known as the free-milling zone. 
This zone is passed at a depth of less than a couple of hundred feet. In the 
cyanide process itself the improvement has been remarkable, the authority quoted 
stating that "once 8 dwts. tailings were ridiculed, now it is common to get a 
profit from i-| dwt. tailings." 

The following costs per ton crushed of several leading mines during the month 
of May 1899 may be regarded as typical : — Low costs— Geldenhuis Deep, 22s. ; 
Geldenhuis Estate, 17s. 6d. ; Geldenhuis Main Reef, 17s. 4d. ; Ginsberg, 
18s. 9d. ; Glencairn, 19s. ud. ; Meyer and Charlton. 18s. 2d. ; New Kleinfontein, 
20s. 3d. ; New Primrose, 19s. i^d. ; Rose Deep, 22s. ; Simmer and Jack, 20s. 7d. ; 
Treasury, 19s. 9d. ; Crown Deep, 23s. 2d. Moderate and high costs — Angelo, 
23s. 1 id. ; Driefontein, 24s. iod. ; New Comet, 26s. 8|d. ; City and Suburban, 
29s. id. ; Bonanza, 27s. 6d. ; Durban Deep, 35s. iod. ; Henry Nourse, 28s. ud. ; 
Jumpers Deep, 30s. 2d. ; New Heriot, 25s. 8d. ; and Robinson Deep, 30s. 2d. 
Costs at different mines are not comparative, as much depends on local 
characteristics of the reef. Other factors largely affecting costs are the milling 
capacity ; and, when expressed on a milled tonnage basis, the quantity of waste 
rock sorted out, which varies from 10 to 45 per cent. For the whole of the 
Rand the costs in 1897 were put at 29s. 6d., and for 1898 at 28s. 2d. The 
average was subsequently reduced somewhat, and for 1899 may be put at 27s. 6d. 

At the eighth ordinary general meeting of the Village Main Reef the chairman 
said: "The grade of the ore was improving somewhat, the Main Reef Leader 
proving richer than was anticipated. With a little further reduction in working 
costs a considerable portion of the Main Reef would be rich enough to work." 

This is specially significant, as the working costs at the Village Main Reef 
ruled considerably above the average on the Rand. 

At the Crown Reef quite 30 per cent, of the ore mined comes from the Main 
Reef. 

In the Ferreira the Main Reef at the 520 feet level assays 12 dwts. over 21 
inches, and at the 1320 feet level 25 dwts. over 17 inches. 

S 



274 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

five years' time, the saving would amount to over £4,000,000 
a year. 

On the basis of a yearly production of £20,000,000, the 
rate for 1899, the new policy should result in approximately 
the following reductions : — 



Dynamite, 25s. per case .... 

Railway rates, reduced 33J per cent, (coal 
and material), say ..... 

Native wages, 1 10s. per head per month 

Other reductions, resulting from lowering 
of general cost of living through re- 
duced railway rates, customs duties, 
reduced 50 per cent, say 



^375i°°o 

750,000 
600,000 



775,000 



^2,500,000 

This total reduction, it will be seen, would be approxi- 
mately 5s. per ton. At the average ore value of 41s. per ton, 
which has been the value in the past, £20,000,000 would 
be produced from approximately 10,000,000 tons of ore — 
10,000,000 tons at 5s. = £2,500,000. Taking, therefore, 
5s. as the average measure of reduction, instead of 6s. as 
estimated by Mr. C. B. Going, the following forecast may be 
made of the Rand's future production. After the War a 
period of recuperation must be allowed for. This may be 
set down at say three years — 1902 to 1904 inclusive. 
Leaving out of consideration the production during the 
current year, and beginning with 1902, the estimate may be 
made as follows : — 



Years. 


Estimate of 

Tons of Ore 

Treated. 


Estimate 

of Gold 

Production 

in Pounds 

Sterling. 


Estimate of 

Profit on 

Old Basis. 


Estimate of 

Increased 

Profit 

(5s. per 

Ton) on 

New Basis. 


Estimate of 

Total 

Profit on 

New Basis. 


1902 
1903 
1904 

Totals 

Averages . 


Tons. 
7,500,000 
10,000,000 
12,500,000 


£ 

15,000,000 

20,000,000 
25,000,000 


£ 

5,000,000 

6,700,000 
8,500,000 


£ 

1,875,000 

2,500,000 
3,125,000 


£ 

6,875,000 

9,200,000 
11,625,000 


30,000,000 
10,000,000 


60,000,000 
20,000,000 


20,200,000 

6.733-333 


7,500,000 
2,500,000 


27,700,000 
9.233.333 



1 Kaffir wages in the Rand before the War averaged about 50s. per month. 



RESOURCES AND CROWN ASSETS 275 

The table on page 276 presents an estimate of the probable 
gold production of the Rand (from Randfontein to Holfon- 
tein) down to assumed limits of depth for different sections as 
given in table on page 18, and allowing for 25 per cent, 
reduction of the estimate (see page 37), but including over 
£300,000,000 worth of ore from the low-grade Main Reef, 
which, it is estimated, would be made payable with a 5 s. 
reduction in costs. This estimate of £300,000,000 is not a 
high one, because there are enormous tonnages of Main Reef 
throughout the Rand. At the same time, it is difficult to 
form an idea of the quantities which would prove of a pay- 
able grade. It will be seen that the Rand, at present being 
exploited, would be worked out, down to the assumed limit 
of depth, in seventy years. The table does not refer to any 
prospective discoveries, eastward or westward. 

The estimate of £35,000,000 as the average annual 
production for the first decade is below Mr. A. Cooper- 
Key's estimate of £37,800,000 for 1902, and Dr. Hatch's 
estimate of £36,000,000. Both of these estimates were 
made before the War. 

It may be recalled that the Witwatersrand series of reefs 
has been proved along the strike for a distance of nearly 
sixty miles, and still another geological fact may be noted, 
viz., that the beds at one time extended much farther north 
than the present positions of the outcrops. That is to say, 
there has been considerable denudation, and many thousands 
of feet of the strata have been worn away. The present out- 
crops, therefore, are really on a sectional line cut through the 
mass, and consequently they may be expected to afford a fair 
average sample of the whole. This expectation so far as 
actual mining has gone has been realised, a fact which re- 
duces the deductions of the values of the farther and deeper 
portions of the Rand reefs, not yet actually tapped, to a 
practical certainty. But some may say that geological de- 
ductions do not give a sufficiently solid basis for the calcula- 
tions of, say, a finance minister. It must be borne in mind 
that these estimates of future production from the Rand 
are not in the main made up from geological deductions, but 
in a greater measure from its known production in the past, 



276 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 





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RESOURCES AND CROWN ASSETS 277 

and its stamping-power now, and the additional stamping- 
power to be added in the next few years. Gold mining on 
the Rand has not the same element of chance that it has 
everywhere else. It is more of the nature of a steady in- 
dustry, and the results can be calculated with extraordinary 
precision. It has been tersely remarked that gold is not 
found on the Rand — it is manufactured. Sufficient of the 
area has been actually sampled to guarantee the maintenance 
of the output at the rate in the estimate for at least thirty- 
five years, and this is as sound a basis as any finance 
minister could wish for. There is no reason why the farther 
deeps not yet actually tapped (those from 3500 to 7000 feet) 
should fall short in yield of gold to those immediately about 
them, but the estimate can be read in two periods of thirty- 
five years each, the first calculated to yield ,£1,400,000,000, 
and the other £i f 100,000,000. The first is assured, and 
there is little uncertainty about the second. 



Outside Districts. 

The output for 1898 from districts other than the Rand 
was as follows : — 

Lydenburg .... £39 2 ,37% 

De Kaap ..... 314,792 

Klerksdorp . . . 199,919 

Other districts .... 3,670 



^9 02 J59 

The result for the nine months of 1899 sn °wed a consider- 
able ratio of increase. It will be unnecessary to attempt an 
estimate of the increased output from these districts which 
may be expected under the new conditions, but generally 
it may be stated that the increase will be very large. A 
reduction of 5 s. per ton in working costs will bring enormous 
areas containing low-grade banket ores within the limit of 
profitable working. The Klerksdorp 1 district especially may 
be expected to see a great expansion of its mining industry ; 

1 At the Klerksdorp Gold and Diamond Mines working costs, with a dry 
crushing plant, have been brought down to 13s. 6d., exclusive of Mine Develop- 
ment Redemption. 



278 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

besides, there are the Heidelberg, the Hex River, and the 
Rooderand districts. Also the quartz-bearing regions of De 
Kaap, Lydenburg, Zoutpansberg, all of which would offer 
quite different prospects of profit than they did in the past. 
Besides, the encouragement given to prospectors by the sug- 
gested alterations in the Gold Laws and by the more equitable 
incidence of taxation, would give a stimulus to prospecting, 
and there can be little doubt that many new payable areas 
would be opened. The data available will not permit of 
more than this general statement regarding these districts. 



Coal. 

The statement on page 279 gives an estimate of the prob- 
able production within the next thirty years, and it will also 
convey an idea of the extent and value of the Transvaal 
coal-fields. The features in the statement of chief interest 
are those which show the probable yearly production, cost, 
and profit. 

Other Minerals. 

Any estimate of future production would be founded on 
such insufficient data, owing to the small amount of work 
done in the past, that it would be of little value. It may, 
however, be remarked that the facts presented in Chapter IX. 
give good grounds for expecting the establishment of large 
and profitable industries exploiting these minerals. Espe- 
cially is this so in the case of diamonds and iron. 

Railways. 

The total capitalised value of all the railways in the 
Transvaal, Government and privately owned, may be esti- 
mated at about £ 1 1, 000,000, of which in the Netherlands 
system the Government will own an asset worth about 
-£9,000,000. The net estimated revenue under the pro- 
posed new tariff in the Government railways is ^800,000 
yearly. 



RESOURCES AND CROWN ASSETS 279 





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2 8o THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



Manufacturing Industries. 

These comprise manufactures of glass, cement, leather, 
jam, candles, soap, boots, chemicals, explosives, &c, distilleries 
and breweries. It is impossible to arrive at any definite idea 
of their probable annual production, but it would certainly be 
considerably over .£1,000,000 in value. 

Besides these industries enumerated above, there are the 
great workshops on the Rand and elsewhere engaged on work 
required by the mines ; and there are also flour-mills, saw- 
mills, quarries, limeworks, brickworks, and other industries 
connected with the building trade, which turn out a large 
value of work each year, but an estimate is impossible. 

Land. 

Estimated Area Government Lands. 

in Morgen. 

25956,630 Low Veld, value at say 5s. per 

morgen . . . . ,£739,157 

1,154,392 High Veld, Middle Veld, at say 

15s. per morgen . . 865,793 

5,000,000 Zoutpansberg and Low Country, un- 
(moreorless) explored, at say 2s. 6d. per morgen 625,000 

Total Government Lands, say £2,229,950 

Estimated Area Privately Owned. 

in Morgen. 

10,000,000 Low Veld, at say 5s. per morgen £2,500,000 
14,000,000 High, Middle Veld, at say 15s. per 

morgen ..... 10,500,000 

Total privately owned land, say £13,000,000 

AGRICULTURE. Estimated Value 

Annual Produce. 

Cereals (mealies, oats, hay, forage, &c), say £1,500,000 

Tobacco, say ...... 100,000 

Fruit, say ....... 75,000 

Garden produce and green crops . . . 150,000 

Tropical products (coffee, cotton, &c.) . . 20,000 
Woods, forests (timber), large value, but not 
estimated . 



Total agricultural produce, say . £1,845,000 



RESOURCES AND CROWN ASSETS 281 

These estimates are based on data of the most meagre descrip- 
tion, but still there are reasons for thinking that they are more 
or less approximate. 

Live Stock. 



Cattle . 
Horses 
Sheep and goats . 



Before War 
say 



After War 
say 



Estimated 
Value. 



1,000,000 200,000 at say £7, 10s. od. 

200,000 50,000 ,, £, J -°- 
1,500,000 400,000 , 



20s. 



Pigs 



Total live stock, say 



^1,500,000 

500,000 
400,000 

^2,400,000 



The same remark as to insufficient data applies to this 
estimate. During the War the loss in cattle and horses has 
been enormous. 

Dairy Produce. 

Chiefly milk sold from farms near the towns. 

Crown Assets. 

A semi-official statement of the assets of the late Govern- 
ment of the South African Republic, published at the end of 
1898, 1 gave the cash and negotiable assets at six and a-half 
millions, made up as follows : — 

Cash in Treasury 



Deposited with bankers in Europe 
Negotiable securities (being 454 debentures 

&c, Barberton line) 
5480 Netherlands Railway debentures . 
3000 Pretoria Pietersburg debentures . 
3000 Netherlands Railway . 

Shares realisable at Bourse rates : — 
5713 Netherlands Railway . 
10,000 National Bank S.A.R. 
Amortisation Fund Mortgage bonds 
Loan to Netherlands Railway Company (paid 

out of Rothschild Loan) 
Profits due from Netherlands Railway for 

1898, say . . 



,£5 62 >426 
520,000 

45.854 

55°>74° 
255,000 

300,000 

1,485,380 
135,000 
100,000 

2,000,000 

700,000 
,£6,654,400 



JVoW.—Thh statement does not touch the capitalised value of the Government 
share of the Netherlands Railway Company's profit, or the general assets of the 
State such as Government lands, buildings, telegraphs, &c. 

1 Standard and Diggers' News (London edition). 



282 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



List of Government Securities and Dividends and Interest 
as per late Govemmenfs Budget for 1899. 

Dividend and Interest. 
10,000 shares in the National Bank at ^10, 

10 per cent, dividend .... ^"10,000 
5758 shares 1 of 1000 florins or ^83, 6s. 8d. 
each in the Netherlands Railway Com- 
pany — 



1898 dividend 

1899 dividend 

1898 

1899 extra dividends 



• .£27,303 

27,285 

• .£33>582 

29,000 



454 Obligations, Barberton Branch Line, of 

;£ioo each, at 5 per cent. 
Loan to Netherlands Railway Company at 5.8 

per cent. 

Security money, Selati Railway Company, 
loaned out — 

Interest accrued, 1898 . ^1,045 
Interest accrued, 1899 . 1,045 



Money invested through Labouchere, Oyens 
& Co. — 



Interest on, 1898 
Interest on, 1899 



3,000 



Loan to Johannesburg Hospital, ,£33,000, 

interest on at 6 per cent. 
War Fund, £1 10,000, interest on at 3 per cent. 
Orphan Chamber Funds, interest on cash 

loaned out ...... 

Loan to Netherlands Company on account 

Klerksdorp Railway, ^£548,000 at 4 per 

\_-CIlL. • • • ■ ■ ■ • 

Shares Pretoria-Pietersburg Railway, ^300,000 
at 4 per cent. ..... 

Obligations, 4 per cent. Netherlands Railway, 
at fl.iooo — 

1898 .... ^9,885 

1899 .... 3,000 



54,588 

62,582 

2,270 

116,000 



2,090 



8,000 

1,980 
3*300 

4,800 



12,000 



12,885 



1 The Government's holding in these shares appears to have been reduced to 
5713- 



RESOURCES AND CROWN ASSETS 283 

Dividend and Interest. 

Security money, Ermelo Railway, ,£10,000 

at 4 per cent. . . . . • £a°° 

Loan to Barberton Sanitary Board, ,£15,4°° 

at 6 per cent ..... 924 

Loan to Barberton Hospital, ,£1000 at 4 per 

cent. ....... 4° 

Loan to Klerksdorp Hospital, ,£3000 at 6 

per cent. ...... 180 

Loan to private person, ,£8000 at 6 per cent., 

since repaid ...... 

Poor Burghers' Fund, ;£i 50,000 at 3 per cent. 4j5°° 

Loan to Witwatersrand Agricultural Society, 

^4500 at 6 per cent 270 

Wire Fencing (sold) 200 

Sundry (year 1898, ,£34,383) ... 129 

Total Revenue from Interest and Dividends, &c. ,£297,138 

Of these securities the following may be left out of the 
new Government assets : — 

(1) All the Netherlands Railway Company's shares 

and debentures, the railway having been taken 
over. 

(2) Cash invested through Labouchere, Oyens & Co., 

which has no doubt since been spent, or at any 
rate is now beyond reach. 

(3) War funds. 

The securities which may be included among the assets 
of the new Government are the loans to public bodies in the 
Transvaal and the loans to Poor Burghers, &c., the National 
Bank shares, and the Pietersburg Railway debentures. There 
is little chance of any of the other assets being recovered. 

Therefore with the taking over of the Netherlands Railway 
and the State property of the late Republic a new balance of 
assets and liabilities is brought about. An endeavour is 
made to present an approximate idea of the new state of 
affairs in the following statement : — 



284 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



Crown Assets {Transvaal). 

Loans to public bodies, Hospitals, Burghers, 
&c, being chiefly from the Orphan 
Chamber Funds, Amortisation, P.O. 
Savings Bank, about .... 

Telegraphs, 1 estimated value 

Railways, say ...... 

Buildings and Erven, Government property, 
say 

Bewaarplaatsen ...... 

Government gold areas on unproclaimed 
farms. Impossible to estimate, but very 
great value now, and in a few years, with 
free prospecting, would probably amount 
to many millions .... 

3000 Pretoria-Pietersburg Railway shares, 
say 

10,000 National Bank shares 

Government lands 



^750,000 

300,000 

9,000,000 

1,000,000 
1,750,000 



300,000 

135,000 

2,229,950 



Estimate of total value of Government assets £"15,464,950 






Liabilities. 



Rothschild Loan, 5 per cent. . . .£"2,000,000 

Netherlands Railway, Share and Debenture 

Holders, say 5,500,000 

Orphans' Chamber, P.O. Savings Bank depo- 

sl tors •••.... 600,000 



Total liabilities, say 



,£8,100,000 



Contingent Liabilities. 

Pretoria-Pietersburg Railway Shares and 

Debentures, 4 per cent. 
Selati Railway 2 — 

Shares ?, 4 per cent. 
Debentures ?, 4 per cent. 



.£2,000,000 

500,000 
1,500,000 

,£4,000,000 



J Only an estimate without any reliable data. 
2 It is doubtful whether these will be recognised. 



CHAPTER XIX 

THE PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION 

The system of administration established in the new colonies 
since the occupation has necessarily been purely military. 
It has been hinted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer that 
such an administration cannot be expected to be perfect. 
Soldiers seem not to have the training necessary to fit them 
to govern in a civil capacity. Military government is like a 
hastily put together, badly fitted piece of machinery, grating 
on the ears and nerves of those accustomed to a machine 
fitted with ball-bearings and running smoothly. 

The principal officer of military government is the 
Military Governor : he makes all the subordinate appoint- 
ments, subject to the approval of the Commander-in-Chief. 
He actuates the machinery of government, with the help of 
the following officers : — The Commissioner of Police, the 
President of the Military Tribunal, the District Magistrate, 
the Financial Adviser, the Legal Adviser, the Civil Com- 
missioner, and the Director of Civil Supplies. 

Civilian Appointments. 

In regard to the appointments made to these positions under 
the military administration, there has been considerable dis- 
satisfaction. Mr. Chamberlain, in a despatch recently published, 
stated that " Her Majesty's Government are satisfied that 
there is no intention of making appointments in the Transvaal 
on any other grounds than that of fitness for the work to be 
done." The only conclusion that can be come to after that 
statement, is that the Imperial Government had not been fully 
informed on the subject. Some appointments were given to 

men with no experience whatever of the work they had to do, 

285 



286 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

and others, while not lacking in experience, were otherwise 
unsuitable. The appointment of a representative of the 
Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Company (Barnato 
Brothers), as Financial Adviser to the Military Governor of 
Johannesburg, is the most striking instance. The duties of 
the position required that all the banking accounts in 
Johannesburg should be open to the financial adviser's 
inspection if he deemed it necessary. The Consolidated 
Investment Company is an extensive landowner and landlord 
in Johannesburg and suburbs. The Company also does a 
large business in advancing money on loan against security 
of shares and other property. The appointment of one of 
its financial managers brought about a state of things very 
similar to what would happen in London if one firm of stock- 
brokers or bankers were suddenly given authority to examine 
into all the business transactions of its rivals and possible 
clients. Only under military rule could such an appointment 
be made : under any other form of government — even a 
Transvaal Republic or a Sultanate — there would be a reform 
movement or a revolution. 1 

Mr. A. B. Markham, M.P., made the statement that " the 
house of Eckstein and its associated groups had obtained 
for their representatives practically the whole of the positions 
of importance under the present military administration in 
the Transvaal." If for " its associated " were substituted 
" and other groups," the statement must be corroborated ; 
and if, when introducing the matter before the House of 

1 The following is from South Africa of March 9, 1901 : "Johannesburg 
Consolidated Investment Company. — The directors in submitting the accounts 
for the year ended June 30th last, state that : ... No credit had been taken for 
the large amounts outstanding for rents and interests which had accrued since the 
beginning of the War ; but, when on the restoration of peace such stmts are recovered, 
they would be duly credited to the Company's profit and loss account."* 

Two of the members of the Rents and Interest Commission, appointed by the 
military, were Mr. Pizzighelli, chief of the survey department of Messrs. Barnato 
Bros. (Consolidated Investment Company), and M. de Jongh alternate for Mr. 
Isaac Lewis on the board of the Consolidated Investment Company. Then there 
was Mr. J. A. Hamilton, joint manager of the same Company, financial adviser to 
the Military Governor. 

The absolute confidence of the directors, shown in the report quoted, that the 
rents and interest accrued during the War will be recoverable, is very striking if 
considered together with the above appointments. 

* The italics are the writer's. 



PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION 287 

Commons, Mr. Markham had been content with bringing out 
the facts, he would have done considerable service to the 
future Transvaal people. Unfortunately he spoiled his case 
and theirs by making charges about thieves and swindlers, and 
he allowed the main point to be lost in a useless side issue. 

The manner in which these appointments were made is 
not difficult to imagine. The Military Governor at first was 
immediately surrounded by friends, or friends who had friends, 
and suggestions were made to him, So-and-so is a good man 
for this and another for that, and not knowing much about 
the matter himself, and the organisation of government being 
urgently required, the appointments were made according to 
the suggestions received. This appears to be the explanation 
why the majority of the positions were filled from one section 
of the community, that is, the capitalists and their adherents. 

It is not by any means contended that the capitalists 
should not be consulted, or that they should not have due 
representation in the new Government. They have large 
interests. They are mostly capable men, many of them 
might even be called brilliant, and the majority are no doubt 
thoroughly loyal to the British Crown. It is both reasonable 
and expedient, therefore, that they should be able to give full 
weight to their ideas on the future measures of Government 
in the new colonies, but the danger is that they, and they alone, 
will be represented. Under the military it cannot be gainsaid 
that it has been so, and the hope is that better care will be 
taken in the future against monopoly of influence by one class. 

Only a few of the appointments made were free from the 
objection of evident unsuitability for one reason or another ; 
among these may be mentioned that of the Mining Com- 
missioner and several of his assistants. 

If the Empire had no administrators of experience in 
governing these appointments might be excused ; but there 
are plenty of able men in England, and especially in India, 
who have spent their lives in similar work to that now re- 
quired in the Transvaal. The Government could easily have 
secured a staff of brilliant men, even from South Africa, 
against whom no sound objection could have been raised. 
It appears that a mistaken policy has been adopted, which 



288 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

has bred a feeling of distrust in the new Government which 
will not easily be removed. 

The measures of Government brought about by the 
counsels of these advisers to the Military Government are 
in some cases oppressive and unjust, notably that embodied 
in the proclamation regarding claim and stand licences, which 
Mr. Chamberlain dismisses as though he did not know its full 
import. Protests have been made against this by the Cape 
Town Refugee Committee, and extracts from the pamphlets 
issued by that body on the subject, which include an opinion 
from M. J. Farelly, LL.D., Barrister-at-Law, that the pro- 
clamation is invalid in English law, are to be found in 
Appendices M and N. 

The inclusion of extracts from these pamphlets in this 
book does not mean that all the opinions on policy expressed 
in them are endorsed. They are included, firstly, on account 
of the legal opinions, and also to show the state of public 
feeling on the questions under review. 

Military Appointments. 

Some of the positions were filled by officers of the army, 
a number of whom were eminently suitable. Notable among 
these are the President and assistants of the military tribunal 
of Johannesburg. They have done a great amount of work, 
and by the firm but just administration of the law have 
commanded the respect and confidence of the people. And 
in several other departments of semi-military administration 
the officials have been equally successful, but this cannot be 
said about all. In many cases undue harshness has been 
shown to loyalists, simply because they were not subservient 
enough to satisfy young officers vested with brief authority. 
The men who would be subservient or make themselves 
useful in some way have often been unduly favoured, even 
although they might be known as enemies of Great Britain. 
Loyal Britishers who, obedient to the High Commissioner's 
proclamation, abandoned all the goods and wealth they pos- 
sessed and left the country rather than remain and trade 
with the enemy, have often been treated with scant courtesy 



PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION 289 

on their return to the Transvaal. They may have fought 
with bravery in the ranks of the volunteer forces, but that 
did not help them much if, dressed in civilian clothes, they 
dared to come into the presence of some young martinet 
officer of police without taking off their hats. Under martial 
law, such as that which exists in Johannesburg, where every 
movenv nt, and almost every want in life, is subject to the 
written permission of a district commissioner — some youth- 
ful officers required that these permits should be asked for 
bareheaded and with bated breath, or they would be dis- 
dainfully refused — it can be imagined that the smallest 
display of favouritism in granting permits creates the bitterest 
feelings. 

It appears that it would be better not to place young 
officers in such positions, but to let them remain at their 
own work, and fill the posts with volunteers from the civil 
service at home or elsewhere. 

Notwithstanding these criticisms it must be admitted 
that the Military Government has had a difficult task, and, 
as was said at the beginning, it is not to be expected that 
soldiers should make ideal rulers. They have carried on the 
Government at any rate, and if the mistakes are some of 
them irritating, they are only temporary, and given good 
government when the civil power is restored, all the worries 
of martial rule will speedily be forgotten. 

The New Administration. 

The next consideration is the future administration. 

The African Review some time back, in referring to the new 
administration, appeared to indicate that it has been decided 
to govern the two colonies by a Governor (Sir Alfred Milner) 
and a Lieutenant-Governor (Colonel Gould Adams), the former 
to reside in the Transvaal, and the latter in the Orange River 
Colony. Associated with each there would be an Executive 
Council, composed of the heads of the various Government 
departments. It was noted regretfully that no provision has 
been made for the election of a Legislative Council. The 
African Review, in making this criticism, is certainly in accord 

T 



290 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

with the opinion of 90 per cent, of the people of the Transvaal 
and Orange River Colonies. 

There are many problems, pressing and urgent, which 
must engage the immediate attention of the new Govern- 
ments, and unless it is the desire to govern the countries 
against the wishes of the people, they had better let them 
make their voice heard from the first. To do otherwise 
would be to make the same mistake that the Boer Govern- 
ment made. It is not the desire of the majority of the 
Uitlanders, any more than it is of the Boer population, to be 
ruled according to the will of the Capitalist class. Neither 
is it their desire to be put in swaddling clothes and ruled by 
men of superior wisdom. 

Exceedingly able men like Sir Alfred Milner and others, 
trained in the Oxford school, are apt to believe that the 
majority of men cannot properly look after their own interests, 
and that it is really for their benefit to be ruled by the 
superior man who knows better what is good for them 
than they do themselves. This theory may be tried in 
the Transvaal, and it will most probably prove a failure ; 
there are already signs of trouble ahead. 

It is impossible for even the ablest and most strictly 
impartial man to get at all shades of opinion in a country. 
Those at the head of affairs must from the very nature of 
things be more influenced by men of wealth and position 
than by others of lesser rank with whom they would never 
come in touch. 

Besides, there is always a possibility of coercion. If the 
Governor standing alone does not rule according to the wishes 
of any particular class, the well-known machinery of discredit 
will be set agoing, reports as to his unfitness will begin to 
float about London — vague and indefinite — filtering into the 
minds of men. In the course of a year or two he will be 
utterly discredited unless he changes and gains the chorus. 
If he has the support of the whole people constitutionally 
expressed, this cannot happen. It is difficult to discredit a 
population. 

Preparations for efficient social and political influence 
are already being made by the financial groups both in 



PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION 291 

South Africa and London. The appointments made by 
the Military Governor of Johannesburg, and the general 
trend of policy since the occupation, have caused disquiet. 
There is a popular voice on the Rand and in the Transvaal, 
and a deep feeling prevails of impending oppression and 
injustice. Under strong militarism the voice might be sup- 
pressed possibly for years, but is this wise ? Loyalist and 
Boer alike can be made to obey, but it will be done with 
sullen resentment. One section of the people to be governed 
are those who faced ruin in order to obtain the rights of free 
men, and, after having fought for it, it will surely be un- 
wisdom to prevent them enjoying the hoped-for reward. 
The other half have equally faced ruin for a similar idea, 
although in their case it was spoiled by exclusiveness and 
ambition, and they too must be reckoned with. 

The African Review suggested a Legislative Council of 
twenty-eight members, one half being elected by the mining, 
commercial, and other bodies, the other half being the nomi- 
nees of the Crown selected on the lines familiar in most 
Crown Colonies, two of the members to take seats in the 
Executive Council. 

"A legislative body of this character is one of the early 
developments after the War." 

This suggestion of the African Review, so far as it relates 
to the formation of the Council, is one which would commend 
itself to every one, but the composition and the method of 
election suggested will find little support. The mining, com- 
mercial, and other bodies which it suggests should elect the 
Council, are only other names for Messrs. Eckstein, the Con- 
solidated Gold Fields, Barnato Brothers, Mr. J. B. Robinson, 
and the other Capitalist groups. The Chamber of Mines is 
not a representative body in any sense of the term, nor is 
the Chamber of Commerce. Which are the other bodies to 
which the African Review refers is uncertain, but the prin- 
ciple of electing any Legislative Council or any Advisory Board 
from the institutions named will be unreservedly condemned 
by the great majority of the population of the Transvaal. 
Let there be a Legislative Council by all means, but let the 
elected portion of it, which should be more than one-half, be 



292 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



chosen directly by the people. The other method would be 
at once unjust and useless. It would be just as well to ask 
Messrs. Eckstein, the Consolidated Goldfields, and Mr. J. B. 
Robinson to nominate a committee themselves and send the 
members over to Pretoria to vote in the Council according to 
their instructions. A Legislative Council to some extent 
representative of the people is urgently required, and if two 
of the elected members were chosen to sit in the Executive, 
so much the better. 

The suggestion that the Executive Council should be 
composed of the heads of departments, or of some of them, 
with two members selected by the elected members of the 
Legislative Council, is also commendable. But in the case of 
several of the departments there should be an Advisory Board 
as well. Further, the duties of the Council should be mainly 
executive, and only legislative so far as would lie in the pre- 
paration of measures to be brought before the Legislative 
Council. 

The number of departments of State in the new colonies 
might conveniently be eleven in number, with three Advisory 
Boards as follows : — 





Department. 


Administration. 


Boards. 


I 


Colonial Office 


Secretary 




2 

3 

4 


Treasury 

Industry and Commerce 

Railways, Roads, and Public Works 


Controller \ 
Commissioner V 


Advisory Board 
of Trade 


5 


Mines 


•• I 


Advisory Board 
of Mines 


6 


Agriculture 


•■ } 


Advisory Board 
of Agriculture 


7 


Legal 


Attorney-General 




8 


Natives 


Commissioner 


. . • 


9 


Posts and Telegraphs 


» 1 




10 


Police and Defence 


j > 




11 

1 


Education 


> 1 


... 



To these Advisory Boards the elected members of the 
Legislative Council should elect six of their number, two to 
each board. It would be their duty to watch the public 
interest and see that no legislative or executive measures that 
might be suggested by the sleepless collective brain of the 
Capitalists, or the collective brain of any other class, would 



PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION 293 

pass without due notice. To people in England these watch- 
dog duties of the Advisory Boards may seem unnecessary, 
but in the Transvaal experience has taught that every pre- 
caution must be taken. There have been the extension of 
mynpachts over werf areas, and other encroachments on 
public rights in the past, brought about by small alterations 
of the laws apparently of the most harmless description. 
Two years ago, when the question of better financial adminis- 
tration was being discussed in the Transvaal, a proposition 
was made to Mr. Kruger that a clever man should be found 
and placed at the head of the Treasury department. It 
was suggested that the appointment should be given to 
Mr. Lippert, who, although he is connected with the Dyna- 
mite Monopoly, is admitted on all hands to be an exceedingly 
able financier. Mr. Kruger said, " Yes. It seems a good 
plan. I believe Lippert to be a slim kerle, 1 and he would no 
doubt look well after the money, but what I want to know is, 
Who is to look after Lippert ? " In the Transvaal repre- 
sentative boards would be useful. 

The following appointments have already been made to 
the new Transvaal Executive : — 

Mr. Fiddes — Secretary to the Administration. 

Mr. Duncan — Comptroller of the Treasury. 

Mr. Richard Solomon — Attorney-General. 

Sir Godfrey Lagden — Commissioner for Native Affairs. 

Mr. Wybergh — Commissioner of Mines. 2 

There should be as little delay as possible in granting 
popular representation. Mr. George Farrar struck the right 
note, in speaking at Newport Pagnell, when he said, lt Both 
Boers and Loyalists must be taught to govern themselves." 
Mr. Lionel Phillips read a paper on " The Outlook in South 

1 Slim kerle = a smart chap. 

2 "Mr. George Vandeleur Fiddes was educated at Dulwich and Brasenose 
College, Oxford. He entered the Colonial Office in 1881, and in 1897 went to 
the Cape as Imperial Secretary and accountant to Sir Alfred Milner. 

"Mr. Andrew II. F. Duncan was formerly in the Navy. In April 1884 he 
became Surveyor-General of the Cape, in the following year he acted as Land 
Commissioner of British Bechuanaland, and subsequently as Surveyor-General to 
that Colony. 

"Mr. Richard Solomon was a member of the late Cape Ministry under Mr. W. 
P. Schreiner. 

"Sir Godfrey Lagden's name is familar as the Commissioner of Basutoland." — 
Daily Telegraph. 



294 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Africa" before the Royal Colonial Institute on 12th June 
1900, in which he referred to Crown Colony Governments, 
and said, "Given a capable Governor, and so active and 
capable a man as Sir Alfred Milner in supreme authority, I 
am inclined to favour the more autocratic form to begin with." 
This called forth the following statesmanlike criticism from 
the Hon. Henry Copeland, Agent-General for New South 
Wales : lt That is just the kind of Government that will not 
be satisfactory. As soon as you get Britishers and Austra- 
lians settled in South Africa they will ask to have a voice in 
the government of the country. If you tax them they will 
want to have a voice in the expenditure of the money, or I 
am no true interpreter of the political opinion of the country." 
This opinion is more in consonance with the feelings of the 
inhabitants of the Transvaal than that of Mr. Lionel Phillips. 

Something has been said recently in the House of 
Commons about the difficulties in the way of granting a 
Legislative Council immediately, and no doubt there are 
good grounds for some delay, but popular representation of 
some sort is urgently required. The immediate future bristles 
with questions of the most vital importance, which can only 
be settled by the people themselves. For instance, the posi- 
tion must be made clear regarding liabilities in respect to 
arrear taxes and licences accrued during the War, and in 
respect to public and private contracts. The well-being of 
thousands on both sides depends on the decision that may be 
taken on these questions alone ; and as evidenced by Lord 
Roberts' proclamation of 20th August 1900, and by the 
Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Company's report 
of March 1 90 1, there is danger of the interests of the people 
being jeopardised unless they can give expression and due 
weight to their wishes. 

If it is found unsuitable to grant a partially elective 
Legislature to begin with, then, as a temporary measure, a 
general Advisory Board should be constituted. This Board 
should be elected by the people, and the franchise should 
include all British subjects in the Transvaal who are bona 
fide residents, and all the Boers who laid down their arms on 
Lord Roberts' first proclamation, and who have acted up to 



PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION 295 

their oaths of neutrality, and who are now willing to swear 
allegiance to the British Crown. The others can get the 
franchise later ; meanwhile the Boer people would be repre- 
sented. If this policy were adopted it might help consider- 
ably towards the pacification of the country. The Boer 
people who would vote on these conditions would certainly 
not be in the majority, as appears to be feared by the 
Imperial Government, and this temporary Board would only 
have advisory powers. 

Mr. Brodrick has stated the intention of the Government 
to stand by the loyalists. The best way in which he can 
help the loyalists is by giving them the chance to protect 
themselves. 

These suggestions are put forward with all diffidence, but 
the arguments supporting them are founded on truth, and 
they may be found to be worthy of consideration. 

Before concluding on the subject, a final word may be 
said in condemnation of the attacks that are being made on 
the appointment of Sir Alfred Milner as Governor of the 
new colonies. If the demands of the Boer Commandant- 
General on this matter were conceded, the Boers would only 
put it down to weakness, and, far from leading to peace, it 
would probably prolong the War. The Boer does not under- 
stand that sort of magnanimity, and unless it is desired to 
forego all that the War has been fought to secure, there 
should be no concession whatever to the enemy in the field. 
An early peace can only be brought about by a resolute 
policy. There are many signs of approaching collapse of the 
Boer resistance, and in two or three months the fighting 
remnants will probably have been forced from the high veld 
and driven into the low country, where they may perhaps 
exist until the Transvaal summer returns, but certainly not 
much longer. In the Cape Colony, owing to the support of 
the disloyalists, the raiding commandoes will probably main- 
tain themselves until the Army in the northern colonies has 
finished its work, when they too will speedily be captured. 



296 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



Municipal Government. 

Johannesburg. — Until within four years ago the town of 
Johannesburg was under the jurisdiction of the Sanitary 
Board, which consisted of twelve members elected by the 
townspeople, presided over by a Government Commissioner. 
The Board also included two nominees of the Government. 
The Government influence was very marked, for in the 
Commissioner were vested powers for vetoing any resolution 
passed by the Board. Its constitution was entirely inade- 
quate and unsatisfactory. 

After continual agitation and petition the late Govern- 
ment granted to Johannesburg the rights of a Municipality. 
Some provisions of the Municipal Law are unobjectionable, 
but, as in the case of the old Sanitary Board, there were 
grave faults in the constitution of the Council. The Town 
Council consisted of twenty-four members. Of these twelve 
were elected by the townspeople — householders and tenants 
holding or renting property of a certain value being qualified 
to vote. The other half of the Council (twelve members) 
consisted of burghers elected by the burghers of the town. 

It is not to be wondered at, remembering the composition 
of the Council as sketched, that the bulk of the Uitlanders 
were not properly represented. It was recognised that no 
real good could come from representation on such lines, 
and there was the greatest apathy among the Uitlander 
population at election times. 

The Council was presided over by the Burgomaster, a 
burgher of the State appointed by the Government, who 
practically had the power of vetoing anything the Board 
desired. It will be seen that the town had no voice in the 
election of its Burgomaster, but the Council had the right of 
electing four Aldermen. This was ornament, not use, as the 
Aldermen had no power, their office being merely nominal. 

Whenever anything was decided upon by the Council for 
the benefit of the town as against the interest of any par- 
ticular firm or clique, the aggrieved parties would rush over 
to Pretoria and use all sorts of influence with the Executive 



PRESENT AND FUTURE ADMINISTRATION 297 

Council to have the proposals cancelled. In this way useful 
measures were rendered abortive. 

Without having any say in the matters, the townspeople 
were hampered by concessions granted by the Government. 
Moreover, many sources of revenue rightly belonging to the 
town were given away to private individuals by the Govern- 
ment. Amongst these concessions one of the most important, 
that conferring the right of collecting market dues on produce 
sold in Johannesburg market, which should have belonged to 
the municipality, was granted to concession hunters in the 
early days of the Rand. The concession is now worked by 
a company under the control of Messrs. Barnato Brothers. 
The municipality consequently loses all the market revenues, 
which go to a monopolist company. 

A right was granted to supply the town with water, and this 
was floated into a company. The original company before 
efficiently watering the town began first to water its share 
capital. Debentures were issued to raise money for purchas- 
ing machinery. The supply eventually secured might have 
been adequate for early Johannesburg, but very soon it was 
necessary to obtain an increase, and after further expense in 
searching for new sources, the property was finally secured 
which now supplies the town, but this was done only after 
further great issues of shares. In order to pay the interest 
on the debentures and dividends on all the shares, the 
resident Johannesburger has to pay an exorbitant price for 
his water, and if he does not pay up promptly the water 
company need not sue him in the court, because it has the 
right to summarily cut off his supply. This was one of the 
first cares of the officials of the Consolidated Investment 
Company (Barnato Brothers) — the controlling house to which 
the water company also belongs. As has been noted in a 
previous chapter, these officials were entrusted with other 
duties besides. The price charged for water in Johannes- 
burg was much higher than anywhere else in South Africa, 
an ordinary cottage having to pay £1 a month. Besides, 
even the present supply will soon again become inadequate. 
The present water company does not hold an exclusive right, but 
under the old regime it practically amounted to the same thing. 



298 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

The sanitary system of the town is antiquated and 
disgusting, and a proper drainage is urgently required. 
From time to time different schemes were proposed to the 
Council, but the matter is a difficult one. Some engineers 
favoured a water system, others the Lierneur and other 
different systems in use in various parts of the world. It 
was felt that it would be dangerous to experiment to the 
extent of perhaps ^5 00,000, especially with the money of a 
town whose best sources of revenue had been given away, 
and where failure would have been absolutely disastrous. In 
Johannesburg, whenever a large expenditure was known to 
be decided upon for anything, intrigues were immediately 
afoot, each party trying to get some special plant or plan 
adopted in which they might be interested. 

The townspeople were, therefore, very particular in regard 
to the proposed new sanitary system, and they determined to 
obtain the best and most disinterested expert opinion before 
allowing any final decision. The new system of treating 
sewage by means of filter beds, as described by Lady Priestly 
in the Nineteenth Century, would perhaps be suitable to the 
special requirements of Johannesburg. 

These observations will afford some insight into the 
municipal position of the town in the past, and they will give 
some idea of the problem that awaits the future Council. 
Johannesburg is the most important town in South Africa. 
It has 120 miles of streets, and only 19 miles of these are 
macadamised. 

The state of municipal affairs in Pretoria is very similar 
to that described as prevailing in Johannesburg. 






CHAPTER XX 

THE FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 

The Revenue 

An endeavour has been made in the previous chapters to 
show that the basis of taxation in the Transvaal should be 
changed. The principles advocated have been : — To tax result, 
not effort ; to tax for the benefit of the State, not for the 
benefit of individuals ; to tax so as to encourage production, 
to equalise the burden, and take off the crushing weight at 
present resting on all those industrial and mining undertak- 
ings least able to bear them ; to make prospecting free ; to 
ease commerce ; to make the poor, whether mines or men, 
pay no more than their fair share ; and to do all this without 
increasing taxation on the present mines. 

A cogent reason for such a policy has been brought out 
in the fact that by its adoption the low-grade mines and the 
low-grade ores hitherto unworked in the rich mines would 
be brought within the sphere of profitable working. These 
low-grade mines and ores will in the future prove to be one 
of the principal assets of the country. Another reason is 
that, by the encouragement given to prospecting, new 
ground would be opened and large revenues would be 
obtained from the Government rights in the new properties 
not yet alienated. 

The endeavour in this chapter will be to explain more 
fully the suggested reformed budget, and to estimate what 
revenue may be obtained. Where it is possible, guidance 
will be sought by considering the methods of taxation in 
other countries, and especially in Great Britain itself. 

The first and chief revenue of the country will un- 
doubtedly be that obtainable from the mines. Mr. J. B. 
Robinson, in his recent correspondence with Sir William 
Harcourt in The Times, admits that even under his system 
of taxation " the gold industry will pay the greater share." 

The question at issue is, How is it to be paid ? Mr. 

2 99 



3 oo THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Robinson denounces some people " connected with some of 
the mines who would like to see a gold tax imposed." " To 
impose a tax on gold/' he says, u would suit their selfish 
views, with the object of shutting out the competition of the 
low-grade ores. Such a course would create a discontented 
population, would menace the whole condition of affairs in 
the country, would endanger Imperial interests, and force 
the British Government into a very false position/' " The 
position," remarks Sir William Harcourt, " of incurring the 
resentment of the gold-mining interest." Mr. Robinson says 
further, " You will find the revenue that will be obtained from 
import dues through the great expansion of trade as well as 
from claim licences, and licences in every branch of trade and 
also from railways, will increase to millions per annum." Mr. 
Robinson is wedded to the old vicious system of Transvaal 
finance. In his blind desire to keep the burden on some one 
else's shoulders, he does not see the inconsequence of his 
arguments. His idea is tax anybody and anything, " claim 
licences and licences on every branch of trade," but spare the 
mines. His remark about a gold tax shutting down the low- 
grade mines is clearly absurd. On the contrary, even if the 
most elementary consideration is given to the subject, it will 
be seen that the only method of bringing forward the low- 
grade ores is to reduce the working expenses This can best 
and most fairly be done by reducing general taxation, by 
doing exactly the reverse of what Mr. Robinson suggests, 
viz., by taking off claim licences, by relieving " licences in 
every branch of trade," by reducing import duties and 
revenues from railways, and alleviating every burden on 
initial effort, and in place of revenue surrendered by this 
policy, to place a direct tax on the profits of the mines. 

In the past the rich mines got off with far less than their 
fair share of contribution towards State revenue, and the 
poor mines had to pay the piper. The annual report of the 
Robinson Gold Mining Company, the largest gold producer 
on the Rand, for the year 1898 gives the total value of 
assets on hand at £3,359,238; total revenue from ore, 
£679,203; revenue from other sources, £37,049; total, 
£716,253. Working costs absorbed £273,432, leaving a 
nett cash profit of £442,821. The amount paid to the 






FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 301 

Government was ^1084 for rents, rates, and licences, being 
about O.0003 P er cent - of the assets, or 0.002 per cent, on 
the cash profit. This statement is based on a letter from Mr. 
Bates Dorsey to the Standard. 

Contrast the foregoing condition of things with the state- 
ment on page 75, Chapter V., where it is shown that a mere 
prospecting proposition had to pay 40 per cent, of its total work- 
ing capital directly in claim licences ; or consider the bearing of 
taxation under the old system on a poor and on a rich mine. 

Poor Mines Overtaxed. 

A mine with ore of a gold value of 34s. 9d. per ton and 
a profit value of 2s. per ton, as, for instance, the Robinson- 
Randfontein, pays as follows. To make ^5 in profits, fifty 
tons of ore have to be mined, crushed, and treated. It has been 
shown (see page 274, Chapter XVIII.) that the excessive price 
of dynamite and excessive railway rates and customs duties 
increase the working costs by at least 5 s - P er ton — indeed, 
expert opinion has been cited which puts the figure at 6s. 

Fifty tons at 5s. = j£\2, 10s. 

A rich mine, say the Bonanza, with ore worth £$ per ton, 
makes a profit of £$ by mining, crushing, and treating ij tons. 

1 J tons at 5s. = 7s. 6d. 

Therefore, in making £$ in profits the Robinson-Rand- 
fontein pays in taxation £12, 10s., whereas in making ^5 in 
profits the Bonanza only pays 7s. 6d. 

Mr. Robinson need not fear that by adopting the new 
method the Government will be " forced into a false position." 
His low-grade mines would prosper more on their merits than 
they have done in the past. The old method w T ould certainly 
allow the great capitalists to use the new Government, as they 
used the old Republican Government, for the purpose of 
maintaining the gold industry as a great financial monopoly ; 
but it would not help the low-grade mines, unless indeed it 
is the intention to reduce wages in any case, whether the 
costs of living are diminished or not. On reflection, financiers 
will probably adapt themselves to the new conditions. Under 
the old Pretoria regime there was good excuse for many things, 
but now their interests will best be served by fair legislation. 



3 02 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

By Mr. Robinson's method men with ordinary capital 
would be for ever barred from entering on the business of 
gold-mining except and only as servants of Mr. Robinson and 
others of his class. His " low-grade mine " argument is 
inexplicable except on the theory that it was only intended to 
throw dust in the eyes of the public at home. 

The fairest and most reasonable tax ever imposed by 
the Transvaal Government was the 5 per cent, tax on gold 
profits. Reference has been made to the objection to this 
tax on the part of the capitalists. The grounds of the 
objection were that it was not part of a general adjust- 
ment of taxation, and that the tax was imposed irrespective 
of the revenue requirements of the State. The inference is 
that if the State requires revenue and the tax is imposed as 
part of a scheme of general reform of taxation, there would 
be no objection. That is really the position to-day. The 
new colony requires revenue, and a general readjustment of 
taxation is urgent. Mr. Rouliot, in his speech of January 12, 
1899, already quoted, stated that the revenue obtained from 
the tax of 5 per cent, would be about £148,580, and he 
anticipated a revenue of £136,869 from the 2 J per cent, on 
mynpacht gold. The 2 \ per cent, on mynpacht gold should 
be dropped, and the tax on gold profits should be made 
general over all. The tax should be raised and lowered 
according to the requirements of revenue, in the same way 
as the income-tax is raised and lowered in Great Britain. 
To begin with, it should be immediately raised to 10 per 
cent., and if it is found to be necessary, even to 1 5 per cent., but 
reference to the statement of estimated revenue on page 318 
will show that 10 per cent, will probably be quite sufficient. 
Further, consideration must be given to the high prices at 
which the shareholding public bought before the War ; any 
excessive taxation would be detrimental to the country's inte- 
rests. The tax should be collected according to the regulations 
for assessing profits that may be ordered by the Government. 
These regulations should be stringent and clear, so as to pre- 
vent undue writings off and additions to reserve funds, &c. 
A reference to the estimate on page 274 will show that a 
10 per cent, tax may be expected to yield an average of 
£923,333 a year in the first three years after resumption of 



FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 303 

work, and a reference to the estimate on page 276 will show 
that a 10 per cent, tax on profits on a basis of average 
annual production, calculated over ten years, 1905-14, will 
yield an average of £1,600,000 per annum. 

Direct Saving to the Mines. 

The reduction of indirect taxation will be dealt with under 
the headings of the various departments they belong to, but 
attention is called to the table on page 276, where it is 
shown that on a basis of ten years' work from January 1, 
1905, the reduction of taxation advocated in regard to 
dynamite railway rates and import duties would ensure an 
annual reduction in working costs of £4,500,000. The nett 
annual saving to the mines after paying the 10 per cent, tax 
on profits would be : — 

Annual reduction in working costs . . ^"4,500,000 
Ten per cent, on ^"16,000,000, the estimated 

profit . . . . ... . 1,600,000 



Nett saving to the mines . . ^2,900,000 

It can be seen that without any injustice to the present 
mines the tax can be of an elastic character, and it will be 
quite fair to ask them to contribute another one, two, five, or 
ten per cent, of the annual profits should the revenue require 
it. They can easily pay it out of their annual surplus of 
profits over what they would have made under the old 
Government. Besides this direct nett annual addition to 
their profits, the companies would further benefit by the fact 
that the reduced working cost per ton would allow of the 
exploitation of the vast reserves of Main Reef ore of from 
five to eight dwts. value, which at present are lying useless on 
their mines, because the working costs would then probably 
range from 14s. to 26s. per ton, an average of 22s. 6d., and 
probably even less. Moreover the Main Reef ore body is so 
thick that it can be very cheaply mined. 

The revenue from claim licences on properties proclaimed 
before the War would most likely keep up to the average 
collected by the late Government, and it has been shown that 
any alteration in regard to the titles of these properties 



3 04 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

would lead to confusion ; so, although the system is bad in 
principle, the best thing is to leave it alone at present so 
far as past titles are concerned, and to take the revenue, 
remitting of course the arrears accrued during the War. 

An important new source of gold revenue would, how- 
ever, be created by the sale of the Government shares 
of gold properties under the suggested new prospecting law. 
There are the Bewaarplaatsen of an estimated sale value of 
£1,750,000, and the areas which under the suggested law 
would remain the property of the Government on the farms 
situated on the dip of the proved portions of the Main Reef 
series, which were not proclaimed before the War. These 
under the proposed new law would be kept out from the 
general proclamation of the whole Transvaal as an open field 
for prospecting. 

Sales of these areas and other new areas, proved as 
prospecting advances, as proposed in Chapter VI., would 
bring in large and yearly increasing sums to the Government. 
An estimate of £250,000 for the first year and the three 
following years would not be extravagant. The Bewaar- 
plaatsen alone could furnish this amount for several years. 

As time went on the yearly revenue from this source 
would, to adopt a phrase from Mr. J. B. Robinson, increase 
{i by millions a year," and the exchequer of the Transvaal, far 
from being in the impoverished condition supposed by Sir 
William Harcourt, would soon be one of the most independent 
in the world. As the revenues from this source increase the 
taxes on profits on mines and other general taxation could be 
reduced, so that in the end working costs might be brought 
down to an average of 15s. or 16s. per ton, thereby enor- 
mously increasing the available wealth of the country, and 
prolonging its mining life. Portions of this surplus could be 
applied to irrigation works, &c, and other uses calculated for 
the permanent betterment of the land and people. The taxes 
on profits on other minerals should be levied by means of a 
general tax on profits which will be referred to later. 

In the chapter on Industry and Commerce, a reduction 
of 50 per cent, on customs duties, applied discriminately, 
has been advocated. The duties should be so fixed that 
protection should be afforded to Transvaal industries, and 






FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 305 

otherwise they should be made to fall heaviest on the luxuries 
of life. Agricultural machinery and mining machinery and 
all the necessaries of life should be admitted free. 

In the case of the revenue derivable from railways, a 
reduction of one-third is proposed. Discrimination as to the 
classes of goods to be relieved is also necessary in this con- 
nection. Coal rates and rates for agricultural produce should 
be made remunerative, but no more, and generally the tariff 
should be fixed with the end of encouraging the actual 
industries of the country. 

Land should be dealt with as follows :— A tax of | per 
cent, should be levied on the value of all land in bona-fide 
occupation which is cultivated or otherwise used according 
to its capabilities. The Commission of Agriculture should 
decide in all cases whether this condition is fulfilled or not. 
Where land is not put to bona-fide use the tax should be J 
per cent, on the value, the Government having the right to 
purchase all such land at 4 per cent, above the valuation 
declared for taxation. Exemption from the land-tax should 
be granted where the land is offered to the Government for 
colonisation as proposed in Chapter XII. 

The old land-tax was 10s. on a freehold farm or portion 
of a farm, and 30s. on a quitrent farm or portion of a farm. 
These taxes should be maintained, and the new tax would 
bring in an additional revenue of about £50,000 a year. 
The old war-tax on farms held by aliens should be abolished. 
The natives' hut-tax of 20s. a hut, instead of 10s. as 
formerly, would bring in a revenue of about £100,000, and 
the other taxes under Law 24 of 1895, £70,000. 

Post and telegraphs revenue would probably be similar 
during the first three years to the past revenue under the 
Transvaal Government, after that it would increase from year 
to year. 

The next consideration is the advisability of borrowing 
some ideas of taxation from England, and specially from Sir 
William Harcourt himself. Death duties should be imposed 
on the same principle and on the same scale as in England. 
The estates of holders of Transvaal property or Transvaal 
shares should be chargeable with estate, succession, and 
legacy duty on those portions of them which belong to the 



u 



3 o6 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Transvaal. All companies exploiting the resources of the 
Transvaal should be required to register as Transvaal com- 
panies, and it should be made compulsory that proper share 
registers should be kept in the country itself. All shares 
held in Transvaal companies should be liable to legacy duties, 
and any transfer by will, legacy, or other mode of inheritance 
from a deceased person should be subject to the duty, and if 
it is not paid all such transfers should be illegal. 

If these duties were not collected in the Transvaal, they 
would in most cases be collected in England, as was done in 
the case of the estate of the late Mr. B. I. Barnato. When 
the amounts are paid in the Transvaal, on account of the 
Transvaal portion of the estates of a deceased person who re- 
sided in Great Britain or elsewhere, the amounts so collected 
would be deducted from the total duties leviable in Great 
Britain ; that is, the duties would not be levied twice. This 
is provided for in the English law. An account of death 
duties as levied in Great Britain, taken from "Hazells 
Annual," is to be found in Appendix O. An estimate of 
the duties derivable from these duties in the Transvaal might 
be put down at about £150,000 a year to begin with. On 
the death of any of the great Transvaal financiers an extra- 
ordinary increase could be expected, and it would be only fair 
that a portion of his wealth should be secured for the benefit 
of the country from which he derived it. It must not be 
supposed that the death of any of the South African finan- 
ciers is desired ; it is reasonable, notwithstanding all that 
has been said in this book, to still wish long life to them 
individually and to appreciate their energy and work as 
living men as worth far more than a tithe of their money 

when dead. 

The transfer duty of 4 per cent, on all sales of property 
should be maintained in so far as the cash consideration is con- 
cerned In the case of the consideration being partly or wholly 
in shares, no transfer duty should be levied on the shares, 
but instead there should be a fixed charge of 5 per cent, in 
shares on the nominal capital of all limited companies in the 
future or of any increase of capital of old or new companies— 
the principle of taxing new capital is in accord with British 
precedent: These shares should be taken by the Govern- 



FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 307 

ment and sold or retained as the Finance Commissioner might 
think best. The shares should give the Government no 
control over the working of the company, and should carry 
no vote at any meeting, but should only be considered the 
Government tax on the profit of flotation. It has been shown 
that there are enormous profits made out of company flota- 
tions in the Transvaal; in fact, the profits so made are 
probably greater in amount than those from actual gold 
extraction, and this system advocated would be a convenient 
way of taxing them. But the provision that Government 
should not be entitled to any say in the working of the busi- 
ness of the company is necessary. Undue Government 
interference and grandmotherly legislation are both detri- 
mental to advancement. This is clearly shown in the back- 
wardness of German colonies, where everything is bound 
up to the Government. This tax on a basis of flotation of 
,62,500,000 a year initially, which is not an extravagant 
estimate, would bring in 125,000 shares, worth from £1 to 
£$ each. The revenue derivable, taking the average value at 
only £2 per share, would be ,£250,000 per annum. Such a 
tax would not touch the mines at all, but would be drawn 
solely from profits on flotation. 

Another tax which would be necessary on the reformed 
budget would be a tax on all profits on investments. The 
problem is how to obtain this without taxing individual energy 
as well. A tax on the earnings from work is acknowledged 
by most political economists to be less desirable than one on 
profits on the use of wealth already secured. It seems that 
the end could be gained by means of a tax on all incomes 
over £1000 a year. Up to that amount what an individual or 
a company makes in profits of business or salary should be 
considered as owing to individual energy and should go free. 
All profits or income above that should be subject to a tax 
of 5 per cent. Profits and income should be considered to 
include all profits from speculations in shares and any other 
way of making money. The profits should be declared 
annually, according to the regulations that would be framed 
by the controller of the Treasury, similar to those for the 
assessment of profits on mines. This tax should not apply 
to gold companies nor to farming enterprises, but should be 



3 o8 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

levied on all other forms of business, and should include 
finance companies dealing in shares. 

A tax of this nature would be a perfectly fair one, and 
would yield a handsome revenue. The people of Great 
Britain pay in the aggravated form of an income-tax, and there 
is no reason why the people of the Transvaal should not 
equally pay, especially if in the modified and improved form 
of an investment tax. This tax should rise and fall according 
to the requirements of the Treasury. It should be kept in 
the ratio of as one to two to the tax on gold profits. Theo- 
retically it may seem unfair that gold-mining should be taxed 
more than any other form of industry, but in the Transvaal 
the gold-mining companies obtained their holdings on the 
most liberal terms. They have undoubtedly secured the great 
bulk of the present assessable wealth of the country. Seeing, 
firstly, that they avoided paying their fair share in the years 
before the War, and, secondly, that relief from the burdens of 
dynamite and railway monopolies will give them large surplus 
profits over what they formerly made, even with a tax of 10 
or i 5 per cent, on the future profits, it is only fair that the 
mines should pay more than less lucrative industries. 

The stamp duties levied under the late Government should 
be maintained. They yielded in 1898 a sum of .£285,000. 
The poll-tax of 18s. 6d. should also be maintained, and should 
be strictly collected. 

All the other taxes and forms of revenue under the late 
Government should be maintained. 

The tax on dynamite should be 5s. per case. 

The Expenditure and the War Debt. 

Turning now to expenditure, the estimates will be made on 
the assumption that the cost of Major-General Baden-Powell's 
Police, the cost charged for the army of occupation, for what- 
ever time these forces are required, and the cost of compensa- 
tion claims to loyalists will be added to the total sum of the 
War Debt to be charged to the Transvaal. The African 
Review, in the article already quoted, indicates that this has 
already been decided on. In the same article it is suggested 
that £33,000,000 is a sufficient charge to be placed on the 






FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 309 

new colonies. A great deal depends on the length of time 
found necessary for the final pacification of the country. Mr. 
J. B. Robinson's views on this subject are more likely to be 
correct than those of Sir William Harcourt. South Africans 
generally agree with the former, that once the Boers give in, 
and their disarmament is made as complete as possible, and 
if a British burgher force is organised and made ready for 
defence, there will be no necessity for keeping up 10,000 police. 
A much smaller force will be quite sufficient to keep order. 1 

Nor is there the slightest reason to present to the British 
people a picture of a bankrupt Transvaal offering a draft for 
the War Debt payable " after an interval," all its revenues 
meanwhile being required to meet its military and adminis- 
trative expenditure, and with no money for other " under- 
takings which will cost millions." The Transvaal can produce 
revenue enough for all these things and the War Debt 
besides, if proper government is granted. What the Trans- 
vaal people will chiefly desire is to be told the amount of 
their indebtedness. Egypt has a debt of £106,000,000, 
and a poverty-stricken population. New Zealand has a debt 
of £46,000 OOO, and a population of 756,000. New South 
Wales has a debt of £63,000,000, and a population of 
1 >3S7>000, and so on. The Transvaal is richer than any of 
these, but doubt is expressed as to its ability to pay a fair 
share of the War Debt ! The Transvaal population (natives 
included) is over a million, and the Transvaal native is on the 
average a richer man than the English labourer. 

But let it be remembered that although it may be able and 
willing, the Transvaal should not be asked to pay more than a 
fair share of the debt. The people of Great Britain, besides 
gaining through the War the additional security assured them 
in common with the people of all the Empire, will derive enor- 
mous direct profits from the Transvaal. It has been shown 
that Transvaal mines will probably expend in the next seventy 
years a purchasing power of £1,400,000,000, representing 
worth of labour, machinery, and other goods, and this will be 
payable in gold. Two-thirds of this will go to England and 

1 Ten thousand police would be equivalent to one policeman to every twenty 
of the Boer people— men, women, and children— in the new colonies. 



3io 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



to Englishmen, and in addition there will be the share which 
her people will take in the profits on the mines, which, if 
reckoned at one-third, will amount to another £350,000,000. 
The enormous flow of gold from the Transvaal, which will 
set in immediately after the War, and continue for the next 
sixty to a hundred years, will fortify the ascendency of Eng- 
land in the money markets of the world by enlarging the actual 
bullion reserve which must always be held against the vast 
fabric of international credit commerce. England for several 
centuries has held the chief control over this unmeasurable 
source of gain, and the vast stores of gold she will obtain 
from the Transvaal in paj^ment for work and goods should 
further equip her and enable her to secure and hold a corre- 
sponding predominance in the extraordinary development of 
the world's trade, which is now actually commencing — the 
development, by means of great national and possibly inter- 
national trusts. Then the War has not cost more than 
£100,000,000 to date. The principal cost to England has 
been the time spent by 200,000 of her sons, and the loss to 
her of the many brave men who have died for her honour 
and her safety. Taking only the monetary expenses into 
consideration, it seems that if the Transvaal and Orange River 
colonies are called upon to pay one-third of the net cost — 
if not above £120,000,000 — it will be quite sufficient. 

The following statement of the cost of the War is an 
extract from the Standard of April 1, 1901 : — 

" To understand and appreciate the present position of the 
nation's accounts, it is necessary to examine together the figures 
of the two past financial years before attempting to see how matters 
stand with regard to the coming Budget. The war expenditure 
commenced during the latter part of 1899, and, as will be shown in 
the statements which follow, entirely absorbed the large surplus 
which would otherwise have been shown for that year. 



" Financial Year 1899-1900. 



Ordinary revenue . 
Ordinary expenditure 

Surplus 
Special war expenditure 

Deficit 



. £"119,840,000 

110,505,000 

• £ 9>335>°°° 
23,217,000 

. £"13,882,000 



FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 311 

From the foregoing statement it will be seen that, but for the war 
expenditure, there would have been a surplus on the ordinary 
accounts of over ^9,000, 000. In noting the further extraordinary 
expansion which has occurred in revenue during the year just closed, 
and shown in the following table, it must, of course, be remembered 
that increased taxation has played an important part. 



"Financial Year 1 900-1 901, 



Ordinary revenue . 
Ordinary expenditure 

Surplus . 
Special war expenditure . 

Deficit 



^i3° ? 3 8 4 J 684 
119,801,30c) 1 

,£i°,5 8 3,3 8 4 
64,73 6 >7°° 

^"54,153:316 



" Before considering the outline of the next Budget, it may be 
well to note separately the war expenditure to date, and the manner 
in which it has been met. This is evident at a glance from the 
following statement, and although the borrowing has been large, it 
will be noted that no inconsiderable portion of the outlay has been 
met by the appropriation of surpluses, in other words, by taxa- 
tion : — 



" How the War Expenditure has been Met. 
Special war expenditure during financial year 1899- 



1900 .... 

Do. for year 1 900-1 901 . 

Cost of the war to date 
Ordinary surplus, 1 899-1 900 
Do. 1900-1901 



,£9>335> 000 
10,583,000 



^23,217,000 
64^736,700 

^87,953,700^ 



19,918,000 
.£"68,035,700 



' ' Borrowings. 



War loan 
Treasury bills 
Exchequer bonds (about) 



^29,519,000 
13,000,000 
2 3>454>°°o 



Balance of war expenditure to date, for which pro- 
vision has to be made, although it may be partly 
covered by departmental savings .... 



65>973>°°o 



,£2,062,700 



1 After suspending Sinking Fund of ,£4,640,000. Allowance is made in 
ordinary expenses for Supplementary Estimates, but out of the total of ,£5,268,000 
the sum of ,£2,308,700 is apportioned to special war expenditure, in accordance 
with statement in Army Estimate. 

2 A small portion applicable to military expenditure in China. 



312 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 






" Outline of New Budget 1901-1902. 
Ordinary revenue from taxation .... ^"127,520,000 



" Expenditure 

Consolidated Fund, including War Debt 

Army, including Ordnance 

Navy .... 

Civil Services . 

Customs and Inland Revenue 

Post Office 

Telegraph 



23,120.000 
29,685,000 
30,075,000 
23,630,000 

2,890,000 
10,110,000 

4,037,000 



Ordinary revenue ...... 

Ordinary surplus ..... 
Special estimate, war expenditure for 1901-1902 

Deficit 



.£123,547,000 
127,520,000 

• ^3.973»°°o 

52,230,000 

• ^48,257,000 

'From the foregoing statements two main facts are plainlv 
apparent. The first is, that the deficits which have arisen are war 
deficits, to meet which the raising of fresh loans is permissible. The 
second is, that already taxation has contributed something like 
twenty millions in the form of surpluses towards the cost of the 
War. The final table shows the total estimated cost of the War. 
with the amount which has still to be raised either in loans or partly 
in loans and partly in taxation. But it must not be forgotten that 
in some form or another a considerable contribution will ultimately 
be forthcoming from the Transvaal. 



For 1899-1900 
For 1900-1901 
For 1901-1902 



" Total Estimated Cost of the War. 



Surpluses 1 in 1899-1901 



Already raised by borrowing, as in previous state- 
ment . 



^23,217,000 

6 4,73 6 >7°° 
58,230,000 

^146,183,700 
19,918,384 

^126,265,316 
6 5>973>°°° 



^60,292,316 



Approximate amount to be provided 

The South African share of the War, if reckoned at one- 
third of the nett cost, is not likely to exceed £40,000,000 at 
Estimated ordinary surplus, 1 901-1902, not reckoned, being unreliable. 



FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 313 

the outside, and if to this sum is added another £10,000,000 
towards the payment of Major-General Baden-Powell's Police, 
towards the cost of the army of occupation, and for com- 
pensation claims, there would be a total debt of ,£50,000,000. 

If £5,000,000 of this is charged to the Orange River 
Colony, and £45,000,000 to the Transvaal, neither country 
would be over-burdened. 

In the Transvaal the additional debt arising from the 
discharge of part of the late Government's indebtedness, 
including the Rothschild loan and the payments to Nether- 
lands Railway share and debenture holders, would be under 
£10,000,000, so that the total debt of the new colony would 
be about £55,000,000. The undertakings "which will cost 
many millions" (irrigation works, forest-planting, &c.), which 
Sir William Harcourt refers to in his correspondence with 
The Times, already quoted, could be paid for out of current 
revenue, as will be seen later. At 3 per cent, interest and 
2 per cent, sinking fund, the charge for a debt of £55,000,000 
would be £2,750,000 a year. In 1899 the late Transvaal 
Government estimated an expenditure of nearly one-fourth of 
this amount for public works alone. 

The expenditure side of the late Transvaal Government 
Budget for 1899 shows a total of £4,370,936, of which 
£1,216,394 is for salaries. Assuming that the cost of 
administration will not be materially reduced under the new 
Government, the various sums required for necessary public 
services under the late Government will be taken as those 
likely to be wanted by the new. The arrangement of offices 
will no doubt be different, and the actual cost could easily 
be reduced, but it is doubtful if the country would gain by 
a cheese-paring policy. What the Transvaal wants with its 
extraordinary natural wealth is the very best administration 
that can possibly be had for money. The ablest men are 
only to be had by offering terms which will induce them to 
take up the service. The financiers pay up to £10,000 and 
in a few cases even £15,000 a year for skilled engineers and 
first-class managers. It has been stated that they are annex- 
ing men from the British public service The new Govern- 
ment should not reduce the salaries paid by the old Government, 
but the selection of the men should be different. 



314 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

A story is told of ex-President Kruger. Some years ago 
an old friend and comrade of the late President fell into 
reduced circumstances. So he came to Pretoria and requested 
Mr. Kruger to provide him with a position in the Govern- 
ment service. The old man thought for a moment, and then 
replied : " No, Uncle Piet. I am very sorry, but I cannot 
do it. I have no vacancy for a head official, and for a clerk 
you are too stupid." l 

There is money enough to pay for a pure and able ad- 
ministration, and it will be a direct injury to the country if it 
is not secured. The amount set down in the 1899 Budget 
for salaries and services of permanent State departments will 
be retained in the estimate of the new Budget. 

There are many items of large amount, however, which 
can be wiped off. First, there are two items for war, ,£76,709 
and £265,297, which may be taken off, because any expendi- 
ture of the new Government under this head would meantime 
be merged in the War Debt. For the same reason the item 
of £324,000 for Police is taken off. Then there is an item 
of £300,000, Customs collected by the Netherlands Railway, 
this would of course cease. There is another of £698,030 
for public works, which will also be deleted and merged in 
the possible surplus. This great expenditure for public 
works could, if necessary, be delayed for a year or two. 
For the same reason the item of £297,422, for railways, 
could be deducted. Private enterprise would seize the oppor- 
tunity of building all the new railways that may. be wanted. 
When the State finances are flourishing in a few years' time 
these railways could be purchased on terms fixed in passing 
the contracts. The item of railway administration will not be 
specified in the estimate of the proposed new Budget, but on 
an estimate of the net profit available for revenue. Then 
there is a matter of £90,000 for purchase of property. This, 
it is obvious, is not absolutely necessary. There are also 
items of interest, £157,518, and repayment of loans, £5550, 
both of which would be merged in the new public debt. 

1 For the benefit of Afrikander readers Mr. Kruger's answer, which is much 
better in the taal, is given in that language : — 

Mr. Kruger. " Nie, Oom Piet. Ik is jammer maar ik kan die ding nie doen 
nie. Ik het nie een plek voor een hoofd ambtenaar nie, en voor een klerk is jy 
te dom." 



FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 315 

Lastly, there are two items, sundry services, .£157,518, and 
special expenditure, £171,940. On referring to the report 
of the debate over these items in the Volksraad session of 
1899, it will be seen that the Progressive members spoke 
strongly against voting these large amounts to be dispensed 
by the Government practically at their own pleasure, and 
they made complaints also of the continual habit of the 
Government of spending in each year more than the amount 
voted. Under these headings were included secret-service 
moneys, &c. What would Sir William Harcourt say in the 
House of Commons if a similar vague proposal was made in 
the British Budget ? In case it should be found that new 
services are required under the new Government, or even that 
an amount for special expenditure may be required, the first 
will be allowed to stand, and the second deducted. Following 
is a list of these items of expenditure in the estimates of 



huh li-iay uc jcil uul ui mc new i 
War Department .... 


JUUgCt . 

*£7 6 >7°9 


War Service .... 


265,297 


Police ..... 


324,060 


Customs, Netherlands Railway 


300,000 


Public Works .... 


698,030 


Interest ..... 


i57,5 l8 


Repayment of Loans 


5,55° 


Railways ..... 


297,422 


Purchase of Property 


90,000 


Special Expenditure 


171,940 




.£2,386,526 


The total estimated expenditure was 


^"4.370,936 


Deduct the total of items taken out 


2,386,526 



Nett amount required for public 

service as estimated, 1899 . . ^£1,984,410 

The statement which will now be presented will show the 
estimates of the late Transvaal Government for 1899, and 
estimates of revenue and expenditure which may be made on 
the new basis of taxation that has been suggested. A separate 
column will give the estimated averages for the first three 
years after the War, and the estimated averages for the ensu- 
ing ten years, 1905 — 14. 



3i6 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



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FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 317 



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FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 319 



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320 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 



NOTES ON FOREGOING STATEMENT 



a. i. 



Import Duties. — On consideration of the enormous imports 
that will be required to re-stock the country this estimate 
is low, even on the basis of a 50 per cent, reduction on 
the old tariff. See Chapter XVIII. 

b. 7. Trade licences. — These are too high, and should be re- 

duced when the state of the Treasury permits. 

c. 9. Prospecting Licences.— -It is assumed that these must be 

kept on in respect to claims pegged before the War ; but 
if any plan could be found whereby they could be re- 
duced without creating confusion, it should be adopted. 
e. 20. War Department, omitted for first three years, merged in 

war debt. 
d. 29. Police Department, omitted for first three years, merged in 
war debt. 
/ h. 49. Railway Income, based on estimated nett profits, allow- 
ing for a reduction of one-third on old tariffs. See 
Chapter XVII. 
g, i. 50. Tax on Gold Profits, see Chapter XVIII. 

k. 55. Tax on Shares, New Flotations, see present chapter, 
page 307. 

/. 56. Tax on Profits from Investments, see present chapter, 

page 307. 
m. 57. Death Duties, see present chapter, page 305. 
n. 58. Land Tax, „ „ page 305, and Chapter XL 

0. 59. Sale Government Gold Properties, see present chapter, 

page 304, and Chapter VII 
p. 42. Public Works, omitted during first three years and merged 

in surplus. 
q. 43. Customs collected by Netherlands Railway, omitted al- 
together. 
r. 46. Interest and Payment of Loans, merged in general debt. 
s. 49. War Service, omitted during first three years and merged 

in war debt. 
t. 50. Purchase of Property, omitted during first three years. 
u. 51. Special Expenditure, omitted altogether, see page 315. 
v. 53. New Railways Expenditure, see present chapter, page 314. 
w. 55. Sinking Fund.— If the revenue fell short of expectation, 
or if this money were otherwise required, the Sinking 
Fund could be suspended for the first three years. 

These two taxes should rise and 
fall according to the require- 
ments of the Treasury, g being 
maintained at double the rate 
of /. See page 307. 



g. 50. Tax on Gold Profits. 
/. 56. Tax on Investments. 



FISCAL POLICY AND THE WAR DEBT 321 

e, d. 20 and 29. War and Police, included again after first three 
years, when it is assumed that normal financial condi- 
tions will have been restored. 

x. 60. The Surplus. — This could either be applied immediately 
to Public Works, Irrigation, &c, or for a few years could 
be kept in reserve, or it could be applied to further relief 
of taxation. 

y. 50. Tax on Gold Profits. — The late Government's estimate 
for tax 48 for 1899 did not include mynpacht gold. 

z. 25. Interest on Securities. — For list of these securities, see 
page 282. 



x 






CHAPTER XXI 

THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 

THIS valuable territory, in extent about 50,000 square miles, 
stretches northwards from the Orange River to the Vaal. It 
has a length of about 360 miles, and an average breadth of about 
130. It was first settled by the Boers in 1835. From 1848 
to 1854 it was one of the British possessions in South Africa, 
and during these six years it was known as the Orange River 
Sovereignty. In 1854, on the report of a British Commissioner 
that the country was a desert and practically worthless, the 
British withdrew. A republican government was then in- 
stituted, and the country was known as the Orange Free 
State. Under Presidents Boshoff and Brand the country 
entered on a period of settled and orderly prosperity. The 
people increased in wealth and contentment, the laws were 
just and well administered, and for many years there was no 
striving to set up an antagonism against the Empire whose 
borders partially surrounded the State. In 1897, on the 
representations of the Transvaal Government, the policy of 
closer union was adopted, and the Republic sealed the com- 
pact which was to lead to its destruction. 

If the British Commissioner who reported unfavourably on 
the country could have visited it again just before the War and 
seen the prosperous trim farm-houses, the great flocks of sheep, 
the troops of horses and herds of cattle, the huge stacks of un- 
thrashed wheat on the farms, and the immense piles of grain in 
sacks in the stores of the merchants ; if he could have seen a 
week's production of diamonds from the Jagersfontein mine, or 
had a view of a month's output from the northern coal-mines, 
he could then have grasped the measure of error in his report 
of fifty years ago. The truth is, that while not possessing 
anything like the extraordinary wealth of the Transvaal the 




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THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 323 

territory now known as the Orange River Colony must be con- 
sidered a rich country. 



The Land. 

In the endeavour to convey an idea of its resources a 
beginning will be made with the land. The area is approxi- 
mately 15,000,000 morgen, or rather more than 30,000,000 
acres. Farms cannot be bought in the better districts under 
£2 a morgen, and a valuation of -£15,000,000 for the whole 
land of the State would be a low one. The whole area is 
healthy and eminently suitable for Europeans. The average 
altitude above sea-level is about 4500 feet. The greater part 
of the country consists of rolling plains covered with grass in 
the north, and with grass and karroo bush in the south. 
South of Bloemfontein the appearance of the country gradually 
assimilates to that of the northern parts of Cape Colony. The 
large flat-topped kopjes are more numerous, and the karroo 
bush represents an increasing proportion of the vegetation. 
The whole of the area is splendid pasture ground for cattle, 
sheep, and horses. The grass is not so rank and coarse as 
that of the Transvaal, and in many districts it is of the short 
sweet variety on which sheep thrive best. Over the whole 
area mealies are grown successfully without irrigation, the 
best and most extensive crops being obtained from the level 
stretches of alluvial land along the northern rivers, espe- 
cially along the Vaal. The average production is from eight 
to ten bushels an acre. The average in Australia is 4.5 bushels. 
One bag of seed sown produces a return of from forty to 
fifty bags. Messrs. Lewis & Marks have reaped as much as 
40,000 bags of mealies in one year from their Vereeniging 
estates ; there the ploughing is done by means of steam 
ploughs. There are, of course, occasional failures of crops, 
caused by visitation of locusts, drought, and hail, but this does 
not occur more frequently on the average than once in five 
years. In Australia the droughts are much more severe ; an 
officer in one of the Australian contingents lost 75,000 sheep 
from drought the year before the War. Such a loss as that 
could never occur from drought in the Orange River Colony. 



324 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

Mealies are sown during September and October, and harvested 
in May. The value varies from 8s. to 20s. per muid, according 
to the plentifulness or scarcity of the supply, and the distance 
from the market. The average is about 12s. 6d. on the farms. 
A muid is 203 lbs. or equivalent to about 3J bushels. The 
lowest price at which imported mealies can be supplied under 
present tariffs and railway rates is 21s. 

The Wheat District. 

The most valuable agricultural area in the Orange River 
Colony or in South Africa is that known as the Conquered 
Territory. This is a strip of country taken by the Free State 
from the Basutos. It begins at Rouxville and runs north 
along the Basuto border to Bethlehem, and includes the 
Wepener, Ladybrand, Ficksburg districts, and parts of 
De Wetsdorp, Bloemfontein, Winburg, and Bethlehem. 1 Its 
length is about 130 miles, and its average breadth about 25, 
the total area being rather more than 3000 square miles, or 
about 2,000,000 acres. The average rainfall, as taken at 
Leeuw River, is 20 inches per annum. The rains begin at 
Christmas and continue until April, with a few good showers 
in October as well. The regularity of the rainfall appears 
to be caused by the condensation of clouds from the Indian 
Ocean as they pass over the Basutoland mountains. This 
rainfall, occurring as it does just at the right season, permits 
of wheat-growing without irrigation. 

About 75 per cent, of this area is arable land, and, owing 
to the presence of phosphate of lime, the soil is of extreme 
fertility. 2 On some farms crops of wheat have been grown 
without manure from the same lands for ten years consecu- 
tively. The high elevation and consequent cold in winter is 
beneficial to the growth of wheat ; it has been observed 
that when snow covers the Maluti Mountains in May and 
June there is always a good crop. The average return is 
about thirty-five bags of wheat for each bag sown, and this 
could be greatly increased with careful cultivation. Returns 
of over a hundredfold have been obtained in exceptional years 

1 See Map, p. 322. ' 2 See Phosphate of Lime, p. 332. 



THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 325 

from extra good land. The annual production of wheat in 
the Conquered Territory during the past five years is estimated 
at 3,000,000 bushels. The average value on the farm is 5 s. 6d. 
a bushel, The wheat grown is of the best quality, quite 
equal to that from Australia. It is of the soft variety, hard 
wheats having been found unsuitable through their liability 
to shed. The drawbacks are locusts, rust, hailstorms, but 
failures through these causes in the wheat districts do not 
occur oftener than about once in eight years. The method 
of cultivation is most primitive. The land is roughly ploughed 
with an American No. 75 plough and planted the first year 
with mealies. The better farmers rotate the crops, one year 
mealies, and the next year wheat, with an occasional change to 
green crops, turnips, pumpkins, &c. ; others keep growing wheat 
from year to year. Wheat is sown in March and April, and 
harvested in November and December. Besides wheat, large 
cropr, of oats are also grown. There is always a good demand 
in South Africa for the crop, which is made up into sheaves 
and sold as oat-hay, the price being about 30s. per hundred 
bundles. Across the border in Basutoland the land is equally 
suitable for wheat-growing, but the Basutos have run down 
their lands, and they have no thrashing-machines, with the con- 
sequence that Basutoland wheat is inferior to that of the Orange 
River Colony, and brings a much lower price. In the Con- 
quered Territory the farms are nearly all too large, from 2000 
to 4000 morgen or more. The Boer only cultivates enough 
for his own requirements and something over to provide him 
with some cash, but he has no idea of farming his land to the 
extent of its capabilities. On a 2000 morgen farm, perhaps 300 
acres will be sown, the rest, for the most part, lies waste, small 
portions being sometimes given out to Kaffirs or bywouers to 
cultivate on the halves system. The bywoners, as a class, being 
tenants at will, do nothing to improve the land ; they grow 
just enough to supply themselves with food. If they want 
some money, they ride transport for a fortnight, and with the 
£4. or £$ received for that work they buy clothes, &c, and 
rest until their wants are again pressing. As a class they arc 
an encumbrance and hindrance to the land industry. Labour 
is plentiful, the large native population in Basutoland supply- 



326 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

ing more " boys " than the farmers require. The wages are 
8d. to iod. a day with food, consisting of mealie-meal porridge. 
Several lines of railway are required to open up the wheat 
district; some of these were already projected by the late 
Government. Fruit-growing is successful and profitable all 
over the Orange River Colony. About 400,000 acres were 
under cultivation in 1899. 



Other Districts. 

The other districts of the Orange River Colony come very 
little behind the wheat districts in value. They comprise 
probably the best stock-raising districts in South Africa. 
Before the War the country had about 250,000 horses, nearly 
a million head of cattle, seven million sheep, and a million 
goats, and there was plenty of room for more. 

In the stock districts, large areas could be cultivated for 
other crops besides mealies if irrigation were resorted to. 
The best method appears to be the storage of the water by 
means of dams. Nearly every farmer has a dam, either large 
or small, according to the facilities for construction which his 
land offers, and according to the size of the catchment area 
available. With the water thus obtained he cultivates five 
or ten acres of wheat or other crops. This system of dam- 
making could be greatly extended, and small agricultural 
farms of from ten to thirty acres could be established all over 
the country. Large irrigation works that would require the 
assistance of the Government could be profitably undertaken 
on the Orange River, the upper reaches of the Riet and Modder 
Rivers, and the Vaal River. The other Orange River Colony 
rivers are too deep to allow of dams being made. The provision 
of money for works of a permanent nature should as soon as 
possible be considered by the Government, and the suggestions 
put forward for Government irrigation in the Transvaal would 
be equally applicable here. Artesian well sinking does not 
seem likely to bring much success. Two bore-holes have 
been put down in the Kroonstad district to a depth of 3000 
feet, and the water rose to within 15 feet of the surface. By 
means of pumping a supply of 300 gallons an hour was 



THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 327 

obtained from one of the holes, enough to cultivate about 
three acres. Artesian wells might be useful for securing pure 
drinking water and water for live stock, but the supplies 
obtainable would be too small for irrigation. 

Ownership of the Land. 

Nearly all the land in the Orange River Colony belongs to 
the burghers ; only a small percentage is owned by companies. 
The largest land owners of that class are the De Beers 
Consolidated Mines and The Vereeniging Estates Company 
(Messrs. Lewis & Marks). The Government owns 271,176 
morgen or about 564,951 acres. A full list of Government 
farms is given in Appendix P. The largest Government hold- 
ings are those of Moroka and Witje's Hoek. The Moroka 
district lies within the wheat country, and the greater part ot 
the area could be cultivated. The system under which the 
Free State Government gave out their farms was as follows : — 
The farms were advertised in the Government Gazette as open 
to be let for ten years at an annual rental of ^50 to £ 100, and a 
day of sale fixed. The leases were then put up to auction and 
sold to the highest bidder. It was stipulated that the lease- 
holders at the termination of their leases shall get no com- 
pensation for improvements — in consequence no improvements 
are made. On some of the farms in this district there are 
Kaffir locations which were secured to the Kaffirs when the 
country was taken over by the Free State Government, and 
when such farms are let the rights of these Kaffir communities 
are strictly reserved. Some of the privately owned quitrent 
farms in the district are subject to similar servitudes providing 
for Kaffir locations. Natives could inherit property under the 
late Government, but they could not purchase it. As the leases 
of the Moroka lands fall in, the Government should survey 
them into small holdings, and settle them on the village com- 
munity or some other system, care being taken that sufficient 
commonage is provided for each community. A good living 
could be made from fifty morgen of conquered territory land 
if well farmed. Many Boers own or lease over 3000 morgen, 
which they allow to lie for the most part waste. The system 



328 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

of townships which obtained in the Orange Free State was 
very similar to that proposed for village communities. Un- 
like the Transvaal townships, whose commonages belong to 
the State, the Free State town commonages belong to the 
township community, and are managed by the village Manage- 
ment Boards. The laws of the Free State would not allow of 
privately owned townships ; if a township were to be created, 
it was stipulated that the lands should be transferred to the 
community. The village government consisted of first a 
resident " Vrederechter " or justice of the peace. Afterwards, 
when a village Board of Management was elected, this " Vrede- 
rechter," who was a Government official, became chairman of the 
body. The village Management Board had full control of all 
the affairs of the community; managed the common estate and 
levied rates, and could borrow money for public works on 
obtaining the consent of the Government. The only objection 
to the system as existent before the War is that the common- 
ages are too large, and a Township Act should be passed pro- 
viding for an increase of the number of holdings on arable 
lands in these townships. The new holdings thus created 
should be given to settlers. In general the same land policy 
should be pursued in the Orange River Colony as that sug- 
gested for the Transvaal. A land-tax of I per cent, on the 
value of lands properly used, and J per cent, on lands allowed 
to remain waste, should be instituted. The Government should 
have the right of expropriation at the price of 4 per cent, above 
the taxable value on all lands not under beneficial occupation ; 
at I per cent, the new tax would be about 10s. per 100 morgen 
as against the quitrent of 2s. for a like area levied under the 
old Government. In the Orange River Colony the uncultivated 
arable land might, in fact, be taxed 10 per cent., as it is detri- 
mental to allow the most valuable agricultural asset of the coun- 
try to lie idle. The wheat lands of the conquered territory could 
if properly farmed bear a tax of 10s. a morgen instead of 10s. a 
hundred morgen. 

The People. 

In the Free State the Boers were more progressive, better 
educated, more prosperous and enterprising than their brothers 



THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 329 

of the Transvaal. A more even general distribution of wealth 
caused the percentage of very poor burghers to be small. 
Mortgaging of farms was much less frequent. The Government 
moneys lent out on mortgage were about ^400,000, but the 
security was in every case sufficient. There was a greater 
admixture of English blood among the burghers themselves, 
and burghers and Uitlanders got on well together. Many of 
the latter threw in their lot with the country under the liberal 
franchise laws, and the Free State population was growing 
into a cohesive contented people before the young Afrikanders 
of the Transvaal instilled ideas of ambition into the minds of 
the people. The white population before the War would be 
about 90,000, about 60,000 being Free State born, and 20,000 
born in the Cape Colony. 

The Natives. 

The natives were well treated under the Free State Govern- 
ment. They were saved from oppression on the part of others, 
and from degradation on the part of themselves. They were 
protected in their customs and in their rights, and justice was 
evenly meted out to them ; but they were allowed no spirits, and 
they were kept in their own place. There are about 140,000 
natives in the country, and the new Government could not do 
better than continue the same wise and humane rule over them 
which was secured by the laws of the Free State. Natives 
pay a hut-tax of 20s. a year if not employed, and only 10s. 
a year if they work. 

Minerals. 

The mineral resources of the Orange River Colony, although 
so far not to be compared with those of the Transvaal, still 
afford promise of great expansion. The mineral laws of the 
country, in greater measure even than those of the Transvaal, 
have been against development of its mineral wealth. Owners 
of land in the Free State have the right to all minerals and 
precious stones on their properties, but if an owner gives 
permission for his farm to be prospected, or prospects himself, 
he is considered to have given his consent to the proclamation 



330 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

of his farm as a public diggings. And in case he does not 
continue working it himself, the Government can proclaim it 
without further question. On proclamation the owner receives 
half the licences charged on the claims, and the Government 
retains the other half. 

The same policy should be adopted in the Orange River 
Colony as that advocated for the Transvaal, that is, the whole 
country should be set open to prospectors. The present 
system, while intended to benefit the Boer owners, does not 
in reality do so; in fact it only retards the development of 
the mining industry until it may suit the millionaire to under- 
take it. The opinion among the enlightened burghers is this : 
if it is desired to encourage mining, the Government should 
take over the minerals, and allow the owners reasonable 
compensation. 

Diamonds. 

Diamond-mining is the greatest mineral industry of the 
country, and is carried on chiefly at three mines. 

Jagersfontein, annual production about 290,000 carats, of a 
value of 35s. per carat. The yield is equivalent to 11 carats 
per 100 loads. The annual expenditure on costs of winning 
the diamonds is over -£300,000. The diamonds are of very 
fine quality. 

Koffyfontein. — No details of output. The yield is equivalent 
to about 5 carats per 100 loads. 

The Lace Diamond. — A new mine, proved by extensive 
washings during 1899 to yield about 20 carats per 100 loads. 
The diamonds are of fine quality. 

Robinson Diamond Mine. — This is a mine on which con- 
siderable work has been done, but the results have not so far 
been encouraging. 

The Monastery Mine. — This is a mine which has been shut 
down for years. It is of large extent, and has not been com- 
pletely prospected. 

Coal. 

The coal-mines come next in importance to diamonds. 
Coal is worked at Vierfontein and at Groenfontein, near Klerks- 



THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 331 

dorp, and at Viljoens Drift. The coal is inferior in quality to 
Transvaal Middelburg coal. 

Gold. 

Gold-mining has not been a success, but more is known 
now of the Banket formation than was known some years ago. 
The extensions of the Witwatersrand series of gold-bearing- 
pebble beds enter the country at two places — near Klerksdorp, 
and east of Vereeniging. They quickly disappear under the coal- 
bearing stata, but here and there indications crop up farther 
south. With a liberal prospecting law it is quite possible that 
an extensive gold industry might spring up. 



Salt. 

Saltpans or vleis are found in most districts of the Orange 
River Colony, but chiefly in the districts north and west of 
Bloemfontein, and covering areas of from five to thirty acres. 
During the greater portion of the year these pans present a dry 
and barren appearance, being entirely without vegetation. 

Salt-making has hitherto only been carried on by the Boer 
on whose farms the pan happens to be situated, and then only 
for supply to himself and neighbours, to whom he sells it at 
from 4s. to 6s. a bag of 200 lbs. 

The mode of manufacture is as follows : — A well is dug on 
the margin of the pan from 10 to 20 feet deep. Into this well 
the brine is collected by drains of from 2 to 4 feet deep. 

From this well the brine is pumped on to waggon sails, 
already spread on beds prepared for them. These beds are 
about 4 inches deep. The brine is there left to the action of 
the sun's rays, and, should the weather be favourable, evapora- 
tion is complete in six to eight days. Several bags of salt may 
be gathered from each sail. Unless carefully watched, con- 
siderable loss is occasioned by the frequent dust-storms so 
prevalent in the Orange River Colony. 

Recently several small attempts have been made to intro- 
duce the manufacture of salt on a larger scale, and with success, 
according to the extent of the venture, &c. There is an excel- 



332 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

lent opportunity for such enterprise, as the demand is great 
both in the Orange River Colony and Transvaal, and the 
quality of salt procurable is good, suitable for table as well as 
agricultural uses. 

Further Notes. 

Mr. David Draper, F.G.S., has supplied the following notes 
on Orange River Colony minerals : — 

"Vast and comparatively unexplored stores of coal exist in the 
valley of the Vaal River, both above and below Vereeniging, and 
extending for a number of miles into the Orange River Colony. 
Coal has also been discovered in the vicinity of Winburg. 

" Mineral oil has been reported but not yet developed. 

" Iron ore is in abundance near Vredefort, and towards the 
westward near Reitzburg. 

" Diamonds have been found throughout the length and breadth 
of the Orange River Colony. No district in it but has yielded 
diamonds in greater or lesser quantities, and many true pipes, unfor- 
tunately not all containing diamonds in payable quantities, have 
been opened up, especially in the districts of Fauresmith, Jacobsdal, 
Winburg, and Kroonstad. 

" Jagersfontein, Koffyfontein, the Monastery, and especially the 
Lace Mine on the farm Driekopjes, are prominent. 

"With regard to the last-mentioned mine, diamonds were dis- 
covered thereon as far back as 1870, yet the pipe from whence they 
had been transported was not discovered until 1898, and then only 
after over 4000 prospecting holes had been made in searching for 
it. This proves the difficulties associated with prospecting for 
diamonds, especially in a country covered with windblown sand and 
other surface deposits. 

"There is one mineral substance which has not yet been pro- 
perly investigated in the Orange River Colony — that is, phosphate 
of li7?ie. 

"As a rule, the soil of South Africa is devoid of phosphatic 
matter. That part of the State known as the conquered territory is 
an exception to the rule. Crops, especially cereals, can be grown 
there in endless succession without the application of manure. The 
reason is that there is a considerable amount of phosphate of lime 
in the rocks which form such a conspicuous feature in the scenery 
of that country. 

"With every summer shower, and during every winter frost, a 
small portion of this most valuable mineral is released, and carried 
down to the plains, there to fulfil its destined duty in fertilising the 
soil. Assays lately taken by the writer from mine rocks taken from 



THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 333 

Menschvretersberg gave a half per cent of phosphate of lime ; this 
would equal about 40 lbs. per cubic yard. 

" This quantity is, however, too small to extract, but it is pro- 
bable that beds containing a workable percentage exist in the country, 
and will be found in time. 

"Some years ago there was a company formed in Harrismith to 
develop the phosphate beds said to exist near that town, but it fell 
through owing to lack of public interest in anything but gold, which 
was at that time the only product of the mineral kingdom thought 
worthy of support. 

" Large and increasing quantities of fertilisers are imported into 
South Africa yearly, though no doubt more than sufficient exists in 
parts of the Orange River Colony to satisfy all demands for the 
future." 

Railways. 

The railway system of the country consists of the main 
Cape-Pretoria line, which traverses its whole length, and a few 
short branch lines. Total mileage, 418. The railway earned 
a net profit of £408,000 in 1898. The sum of £1,800,000 is 
still due to the Cape Colony for the balance of cost of con- 
struction ; the total cost was £3,066,647. There is another 
State railway from Harrismith to the Natal border, 24 miles 
long; cost of construction, £265,270. 

Extensions of the railway system to tap the agricultural 
districts and to connect with Kimberley direct are urgently 
required. If the Government exchequer cannot for the moment 
afford the money, private enterprise would eagerly take up the 
business. The Government railway policy should be similar 
to that recommended for the Transvaal. 



Commerce. 

Orange Free State commerce had made surprising progress 
for a number of years before the War. In 1898 the imports were 
£1,190,933, and the exports £1,923,425. Of the exports, 
Free State produce sent to the Transvaal represented £880,145 ; 
wool, mohair, skins, and hides, £525,499- In addition to the 
value of £1,923,425 of general exports, £5H,°99 worth ol 
diamonds were exported. 

The Free State joined the Customs Union several years 



334 THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 

ago, and the arrangement seemed to work advantageously to 
the State. The Free State share of the revenue in 1898 came 
to £121,411. 

Administration. 

The late Government of the Orange Free State was in 
many respects a model government, and formed a strong con- 
trast to that of the Northern Republic. 

Compare the salary of £600 a year to the State President 
with the £8000 a year and coffee-money paid to Mr. Kruger. 
Liberty, frugality, and progress might have been its watch- 
words. One of the leading burghers of Bloemfontein recently 
explained the better laws and better system of government 
obtaining in the Free State in comparison to those of the 
Transvaal by asserting that the influence of the earlier officials 
of the Government, men like Presidents Boshof and Brand, 
who were trained under British" rule in the Cape Colony, set 
the beginnings of justice and liberty in the youthful State/and 
their statutes and example lived long after them. 

The new administration, in whatever way it may be formed, 
whether on similar lines to those suggested for the Transvaal 
or other, will do well to carry on the Government in the same 
spirit which prevailed for nearly fifty years before the War. 

Crown Assets. 

, A x L * nds Estimate .£500,000 

rA ^eminent properties, buildings, &c. ., 150,000 

(£.) Telegraphs 

{ (n\ru\ YS ' 3,250,000 

{U.) Cash lent out on mortgage on good security . 408,149 

Total assets say . . .,£4,558,149 

A, B. These estimates are made on very insufficient data. 

C. This works out at ^7580 per mile, and includes cost of 
permanent way, rolling stock, stations, and full equipment. 

D. As at 31st December 1898. 



THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 



335 



Crown Liabilities. 1 



School funds . . 

Orphan chamber .... 

Post Office Savings Bank . 

Officials' security funds 

Railway debt owing to the Cape Colony 



£ 


s. 


d. 


200,000 








203.017 


3 


2 


19,724 


17 


6 


795 


10 


8 


1,800,000 









Total liabilities 



2^23.537 n 4 



New Debt. 

The figures arrived at in considering the subject in Chapter XX. 
may be set down as follows : — 

War debt, including cost of police, say . . . ^5,000,000 
Compensation claims and re-stocking farms . . 2,000,000 



Total 



^"7,000,000 



The Fiscal Policy. 

New taxes should be introduced similar to those suggested 
for the Transvaal, viz.: — (1) A 5 per cent, tax on the nominal 
capital of new companies payable in shares ; (2) a 5 per cent, 
tax on profits from investments in other industries than farm- 
ing ; (3) Death duties ; (4) a land tax of \ per cent, on the 
value of the land not beneficially occupied, and \ per cent, on 
land put to proper use. (See Chapter XX.) 

Simultaneously with these additions to taxation, the other 
burdens should be gradually lightened. These suggested new 
taxes would not at first bring in large revenues on the Orange 

River Colony. 

Assuming that for the first four years the cost of police will 
be added to the war debt, the following estimate of revenue 
and expenditure may be presented : — 



1 As at 31st December 1898. 



33 6 



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THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 



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338 



THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA 






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THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY 339 



NOTES ON THE FOREGOING STATEMENT 

The Revenue generally is considered as likely to be much the 
same under the new Government as under the old. Notwithstand- 
ing the continued state of war, the revenue since the British 
occupation of Bloemfontein has maintained the average collected 
by the late Government. The new taxes suggested are estimated 
to yield a total of ^100,000. 

In the items of income and expenditure, Postal Notes, Railway 
Profits, Railway Loan balances, shown in the late Government's 
balance-sheet, are chiefly matters of debit and credit, and as they 
will not affect the new Budget to any extent, they are omitted. In 
the estimate for 1902 the railway profit only is taken into account, 
that is the probable profit after payment of interest by the railway 
itself on the debt owing to the Cape Colony. 

In the estimate of Expenditure several large items are left out : — 
2 Police, 17, 18, 20; War Department ; 30 Redemption of Loan — 
all these are merged in the general debt. 14 Public Works and 
New Liailways. — These are taken out, as the first can be delayed for 
a year or two — urgent works may be provided for out of the surplus 
— and th° second because private enterprise would be available for 
building new lines under Government guarantee. The Sinking 
Fund for the new debt could, if necessary, be suspended for the first 
two years. 



APPENDICES 



342 



APPENDICES 



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APPENDIX A 



343 



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344 



APPENDICES 



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APPENDIX A 



345 



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34^ 



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348 



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APPENDIX B 

ESTIMATED GOLD AND PROFIT VALUES FOR THE 
DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE RAND FROM 
RANDFONTEIN TO HOLFONTEIN 

To be read in connection with Appendix A. 

Randfontein Section. 

About the Randfontein district there is first to be noted the fact 
that the reef on which most work has been done in the past has not 
proved highly payable. The returns show that the North Randfon- 
tein made a loss of 9s. gd. per ton in 1898 from ore of the value of 
only 2 is. od., and the highest profit made was that of the South 
Randfontein, 9s. 9d. per ton from ore worth 50s. 6d. per ton. 

These results have been obtained from the reef known as the 
Randfontein Leader, which, although rich, is very thin, varying from 
a few inches to about a foot in thickness. Valued on this reef 
alone the Randfontein area, even with the improved modern 
methods of treatment and careful sorting of the ore, would have 
to be set down as a poor district, and not likely to show profits of 
more than 5s. per ton on a milling width of 2 feet, but in 1898 
prospecting operations discovered a new reef. This reef, which may 
be described as No. 2 (or "West"), reckoning the Randfontein 
Leader as No. 1, has been proved and partially developed along nearly 
the whole stretch of six miles now worked by the Randfontein com- 
panies. No. 2 reef, so far as the development has gone, has shown 
assays equal to those obtainable from the South Reef in the central 
portion of the Rand. A reference to the data for the section will 
show that a high average assay value has been found wherever the 
reef has been tested, but of course further development is required 
before a definite estimate of value can be confidently put forward. 

The combined milling width of the two reefs may be taken at 
about 5 \ feet. This is making allowance for the small percentage of 
sorting which is done on Randfontein properties. Assuming the 
average dip to be 35 degrees the tonnage per claim may be taken 
at 35,000 tons. 

The value, which in the present stage of development of the new 
reef is difficult to estimate, may be taken at the average for the 
Rand, viz. 41s. gold and 13s. 4d. profit respectively. This is higher 

356 



APPENDIX B 357 

than past results have shown, but the new reef should make all the 
difference. 

The Randfontein section, taken from the southern boundary of 
the farm Randfontein northwards to and including the Johnstone 
Randfontein property, is approximately 34 3 °°° English feet in 
length, or equal to 220 claims along the strike of the reef. The 
dip at the outcrop at Randfontein is steep, but in depth it is not 
likely to exceed an average of 35 degrees. Assuming this average 
dip the limit of the ground available for mining to a depth of 6300 
feet would be reached at 9000 feet from the outcrop, or say 22 
claims on the dip of the reef. On this basis there are, in the Rand- 
fontein area, available for practicable mining — 

220x22 .... =4840 claims. 

4840x35,000 . . . = 169,400,000 tons. 

169,400,000 at 41s . . = ^347,270,000 gold value. 

at 13s. 4d. . =^112,933,333 P rofit » 

Gold value per claim . . =^7 I >75°- 

Profit „ . =,£23,333. 

If close sorting were adopted on Randfontein as it is everywhere 
else on the Rand, the tonnage could be reduced to 25,000 per claim, 
and on that basis the grade on the assays published should be 60s. 
per ton or more. This would bring out approximately the same 
gold value for the section as the present estimate, but the profit 
would be larger. 

It should also be mentioned that discoveries of still other reefs 
have been reported on Randfontein, but that the information about 
these is indefinite and inconclusive. While the present estimate of 
Randfontein is likely to be about right, it is based on less reliable 
data than those of the other developed sections of the Rand. Mr. 
J. B. Robinson's companies publish less information about their 
mines than any other group. 

Lancaster — French Rand Section. 

Taking the area of the West Rand Mines, situated at the corner 
where the reef bends round to the east, to have already been 
included in the Randfontein area, and beginning at the Lancaster, 
we have a stretch which may be named the Lancaster— French Rand 
Section. The reefs worked here are known as the Botha and 
Battery Reefs series. 

Taking into consideration the 6J feet width of reefs at the Lan- 
caster, and the 4 feet at the FrencrTRand, an average milling width 
of 4 feet may be taken as a conservative figure for the district. The 
dip will not average more than 30 degrees. At 30 degrees 1 foot of 
reef will yield 6160 tons per claim ; 4 feet will, therefore, yield 
24,640 tons. To allow for contingencies, unpayable portions, d) kes, 
&c, the 4640 tons per claim may be deducted, and the tonnage for 



358 APPENDICES 

the district taken at 20,000 per claim. The average value per ton 
appears to be about 34s., and the average profit may be taken at 
6s. 8d. That is during 1898 and 1899. The working of previous 
years does not offer a fair criterion, having been conducted under 
faulty management and methods. 

From the west boundary of the Lancaster West to the east 
boundary of the French Rand the distance is 20,000 feet, or say 
130 claims along the strike. The dip may be taken at 30 degrees. 
At this dip the depth of 4039 feet would be reached at 7000 feet 
from the outcrop, allowing say 17 dip claims available for practical 
mining to 4000 feet, which may, for the present, be considered the 
limit for this comparatively poor district. 



130 x 17 
2210 x 20,000 
44,200,000 at 34s. 

,, at 6s. 8d. 

Gold value per claim 
Profit „ 



= 2210 claims. 

= 44,200,000 tons. 

= ^75,140,000 gold value. 

= ;£ I 4>733>333 Profit „ 
= ^34>ooo. 
= .£6,666. 



Roodepoort Section. 

The feature of the Roodepoort area is a thin but rich South reef. 

Calculating from the data available, shown in the statement for 
the section, it appears that an estimate of 20,000 tons of payable 
ore per claim would be a conservative one. The gold value per ton 
may fairly be taken at 41s., approximately the average of the whole 
Rand for 1898, and the profit may equally be taken on the same 
basis, viz. at 13s. 4d. 

From the western boundary of the West Roodepoort to the 
eastern boundary of the Kimberley Roodepoort the distance is 
about 16,000 English feet, or say 103 claims on the strike. The 
dip may be taken at 30 degrees, allowing 27 dip claims for mining 
to 6000 feet. 



103 x 27 
2781 x 20,000 
55,620,000 at 41s. 

,, at 13s. 4d. 

Gold value per claim 
Profit 



j> >> 



= 2781 claims. 

= 55,620,000 tons. 

= ^114,021,000 gold value. 

= ^"37,080,000 profit ,, 

= ,£41,000. 

= £ l 3,333- 



VOGELSTRUIS — MAIN REEF SECTION. 

This section is one of the poorest on the Rand, but the reefs 
become wider from west to east, and with improved methods of 
working and better conditions politically, working costs may be 
reduced. One of the shrewdest financial houses on the Rand has 



APPENDIX B 359 

sufficient confidence in it to spend large sums in exploiting its deep 

levels. 

Taking all the features shown in the statement of data into 
consideration, and assuming that on most of the area both the 
South Reef and the Main Reef Leader will be worked ; and taking 
the milling width of both reefs at only 2 feet, or 4 feet in all, and 
the average dip at 30 degrees, which would give 6160 tons per foot 
per claim, a total tonnage of 24,640 is arrived at for each claim. 
Deducting 4640 tons per claim to allow for contingencies, unpay- 
able portions, dykes, and for sorting, a nett tonnage of 20,000 may 
be taken. For this tonnage a similar estimate of value to that of 
the Lancaster — French Rand Section would be reasonable, viz. a 
gold value per ton of 34s., and a profit per ton of 6s. 8d. 

From the western boundary of the Vogelstruis to the eastern 
boundary of the Consolidated Main Reef the distance is 27,000 
English feet, equivalent to 175 claims on the strike. With a dip 
of 30 degrees 17 claims will be available for mining to a vertical 
depth of 4000 feet. 



175x17 . 

2975 x 20,000 
59,500,000 at 34s. 

,, at 6s. 8d. 

Gold value per claim 
Profit per claim . 



= 2975 claims. 

= 59,500,000 tons. 

= ^"101,150,000 gold value. 

= ^19^33^33 pro fit » 

= ^34 5 ooo- 
= ^6,666. 



Langlaagte Star— Paarl Central Section. 

This is one of the least satisfactory sections of the Rand. Very 
few of the mines have ever shown a profit. The reefs are fairly 
thick, however, and the tonnage per claim is high, and under new 
conditions the ore, although of a low grade, may be worked at a 

small profit. 

Under future new conditions and with better management, the 
experience of other mines on the Rand, which for years were un- 
payable and afterwards were brought into the profit-earning stage, 
may be confidently expected here as well. A value of 27s. 6d. per 
ton, and a profit of 3s. 4d., may be estimated for the section. This is a 
very low estimate, and will probably be exceeded in actual working. 
The ore contents per claim are high. Taking an average of 6 feet 
milling width and an average dip of 30 degrees, the ore contents per 
claim will be 36,960 tons, deducting the 6960 for contingencies, 
waste rock, unpayable portions, &c, the estimate of 30,000 tons 
arrived at may be fully expected to be realised. 

From the western boundary of the Langlaagte Star to the eastern 
boundary of the Paarl Central the distance is 13,500 English feet, 
equivalent to 87 claims on the strike. With a dip of 30 degrees 
13J dip claims will be available for mining to a vertical depth of 



360 APPENDICES 

3000 feet, which may be considered the limit of profitable mining 
at present for this poor section. 

87 x 13 J ..... =1174 claims. 



1174 x 30,000 . 
35,220,000 at 27s. 6cl. 
at 3s. 4& 
Gold value per claim 
Profit 



5J 53 



= 35,220,000 tons. 
= ^48.427,500 gold value. 
= ^5^70,000 profit „ 
= ^41,250. 

= ^5000. 

It must be noted that on this section where the reefs, so far as 
proved, are of very low grade, it may not be found profitable to 
mine to an equal depth as on richer properties. It is, of course, 
possible that, on testing the deep levels by boreholes, the reefs may 
be of a higher grade than they are at the outcrop. And a readjust- 
ment of taxation is possible, which would reduce the working costs 
so as to double or treble the profits. 

Langlaagte Estate — Crown Reef Section. 

This section may be termed the western end of the richest 
portion of the Rand. The reefs worked are thick and payable. 

The average value for the district appears to be about 39s. per 
ton, and the profit 14s. 8d. The known average for the Rand is as 
stated previously, value 41s. and profit 13s. 4d. The higher profits 
shown here for ore of less than the average value is to be accounted 
for by the great thickness of the ore bodies, which permits of 
economical working. For purposes of calculation, the average 
values of the Rand, viz. 41s. and 13s. 4d., respectively, may be 
taken for the district. The reef thickness worked varies from 6 to 
16 feet, and the nett ore contents, as shown by claims exhausted in 
past working, vary from 40,000 to 90,000 tons. An estimate of 
45,000 tons per claim will be a safe one. 

From the western boundary of the Langlaagte Estate to the 
eastern boundary of the Crown Reef the distance is 7000 feet, or 
say 45 claims on the strike. Again, taking the average dip at 30 
degrees, 27 claims are available for mining to a depth of 6000 feet. 

= 1215 claims. 



45x27 . 
1215 x 45,000 
54,675,000 at 41s. 

„ at 13s. 4d. 

Gold value per claim . 
Profit „ ,, 



= 54,675,000 tons. 

= ^112,083,750 gold value. 

= .£3 6 >45 > 000 P rofit » 
= £9 2 > 2 5°- 



Bonanza — City and Suburban Section. 

The richest section on the Rand, and possibly the richest in the 
world. 

From the data the average value for the section may be calcu- 



APPENDIX B 



361 



lated at 65s. per ton of ore milled, and the average profit at 37s. 6d., 
or, to allow for the reef being thinner in the deep levels, say 60s. 
and 32s. 6d. respectively. The ore contents may be taken at 

37,500 tons. 

Although the dip is steep at the outcrop in most of the mines, 
the reef speedily flattens in depth, and an average of 30 degrees 
may be taken for the section. 

From the western boundary of the Bonanza to the eastern 
boundary of the City and Suburban the distance is 14,000 English 
feet, equal to 90 claims on the strike of the reef. With an average 
dip 'of 30 degrees 30 dip claims will be available for mining to a 
depth of 6924 feet, a depth which may be expected to be both 
possible and profitable in this rich area. On this basis the distance of 
the 30th dip claim from the outcrop will be 12,000 feet. It may be 
remarked that the boreholes now being put down on the Turf Club's 
property are about 8000 feet from the outcrop. 



90 x 30 

2700x37,500 . 
101,250,000 at 60s. 

„ at 32s. 6d 

Gold value per claim 
Profit 



>3 



>J 



= 2700 claims. 

= 101,250,000 tons. 

= ^3°3»75°» 000 § old value - 

= ^i64 > 53 I > 2 5°P rofit " 
= ^£112,500. 

= ,£60,937. 



Meyer and Charlton — Witwatersrand Section. 

This extensive stretch is taken as one on account of the uniform 
payability of its mines. The section has great thicknesses of reef 
throughout and is of a high average value, as can be seen from the 

data. . 

A conservative estimate for the whole section is a value ot 41s., 
and a profit of 14s. per ton, and the tonnage for the district may be 
taken at 40,000 per claim. 

From the western boundary of the Meyer and Charlton to the 
eastern boundary of the Witwatersrand the distance is 45,000 
English feet, equal to 290 claims along the strike of the reef. The 
average dip, as shown by the Bezuidenville borehole, was 29 degrees, 
and by the Rand Victoria borehole 27J degrees. The dip at the 
outcrop is steep as a rule, and 30 degrees may be taken as the 
average, but in the farther deeps it will in all likelihood prove much 
less, perhaps even as low as 25 degrees, in which case 30 dip claims 
could be exploited without exceeding a depth of 6000 feet. 



290 x 30 
8700 x 40,000 
348,000,000 at 41s. 
at 14s. 
Gold value per claim 
Profit 



M 



J? 



= 8700 claims. 

= 348,000,000 tons. 

= ^£713,400,000 gold value. 

= ^£243,600,000 profit ,, 

= ;£82,ooo. 
= ,£28,000. 



362 APPENDICES 



Balmoral — Blue Sky. 

From the Balmoral to the Blue Sky the Main Reef series appears 
to have been duplicated by a longitudinal dyke or fault which has 
thrown up the strata on the south side of the fracture. For this 
reason, although the values per ton are quite equal to those of the 
area just considered, and although the tonnage per claim has also 
proved equal so far as the outcrop mines are concerned, the area is 
taken separately on account of the probability that the northern 
series now being worked may be cut off in the deeper levels, and the 
tonnage per claim must be reduced accordingly. 

Taking the tonnage for the outcrop mines at 40,000 per claim, 
and taking half this quantity for each set of reefs, and reckoning 
that the northern series may only extend down one-fourth of the 
way to which deep-level mining will be carried, a total average ton- 
nage of 25,000 per claim may be arrived at. The value per ton 
may be taken at 41s., and the profit value 14s. From the west 
boundary of the Balmoral to the eastern boundary of the New Blue 
Sky the distance is 22,000 English feet, or about 142 claims along 
the strike. 

Assuming that the dip is rather steeper than usual in the deep 
levels, and taking it at 30 degrees, and assuming that the limit of 
practical mining depth for the area will be in the region of 6000 
feet, which would allow 22 dip claims to be worked, the total 
available claims may be calculated at — 

142x22 .... =3124 claims. 



3124 x 25,000 tons 
78,100,000 at 41s. 
,, at 14s. 

Gold value per claim 
Profit 



5J 5> 



= 78,100,000 tons. 

= ^160,105,000 gold value. 

= ^S4»67o,ooo profit „ 



Boksburg — Apex Mines. 

The section of the Rand now to be commented upon is one 
which, until a few years ago, was considered of little value. The 
answer to the question, "What can be expected beyond the Blue 
Sky ? " was one which showed great divergence of opinion among 
mining experts. 

During the last few years, however, the prospectors got on the 
right track, and the boreholes put down to the south-east of Boks- 
burg have located the Main Reef series sufficiently to establish the 
value of the district on a fairly sound basis. The Main Reef series 
has been proved to trend in a south-easterly direction, under the 
patch of Karoo formation containing the coal measures east of 
Boksburg, to a point on the south of the farm Rietfontein. Here 
direction changes, and the reefs bend round again to the north, 



APPENDIX B 



363 




: ^^ 

'&?<• 
*&&& 









sm 




£ 




trending still under the coal measures 
reefs which show them- 
selves on the farm Benoni, 
and on through the Van 
Ryn and Modderfontein 
properties. The values of 
the ore bodies disclosed 
by the boreholes vary 
considerably. On the 
south-western dip of this 
V-shaped divergence to 
the south an assay value 
of 25 dwts. over 40 inches 
of reef was shown in the 
No. 1 borehole on the 
East Rand Extension pro- 
perty, while the No. 2 
borehole on the same pro- 
perty showed a value of 
33 dwts. over 25 \ inches. 
On the eastern dip it is 
stated that a borehole on 
the property of the Apex 
Mines, put down in 1899, 
struck a reef assaying 3 oz. 
to the ton. Further north, 
on the same property, 
other reefs have been dis- 
closed by prospectin 
operations during the last 
five years, but these have 
shown only low grade 
values. Taking into con- 
sideration the results of 
recent prospecting, which 
after all is the only fair 
criterion, most of the 
previous work having been 
expended in the wrong 
direction, it seems fairly 
certain that the district 
will prove to have a value 
rather above the average. 
A milling width of 3 feet 
of reef, carrying a gold 
value of 45s. per ton and 
a profit value of 15s. per ^ 

ton, is not an extravagant t§£ 



towards the outcrops of the 




ig 









- 



C 

■ 1— 1 

m 
in 



<u 

CO 



13 



C/3 

> 






o 

<L> 
o 



e o 
* Hi 



o 
o 



c 
o 

o 



o 

u 



o 

z 

o 

I— t 

w 

H 
X 

w 

Q 
15 

«! 

PS 



< 




















8K 



§8 



^S"> 









1353 Fr. 



3^4 APPENDICES 

estimate. The reef dips at a low angle, probably not more than 
15 degrees on the average, but to be on the safe side the average 
dip may be taken at 20 degrees. 

The distance measured along both sides of the V-shaped outline 
is about 31,000 feet, equal to 200 claims on the strike. It must be 
remembered that owing to the shape of the outline the area of dip 
ground is an ever-widening one, and calculation based only on the dip 
claims at right angles to both sides of the outline will leave a large 
wedge-shaped area south of the apex not taken in. This area may 
be left out of the calculation, and will go to make up for possible 
unpayable portions, dykes, &c. At an angle of 20 degrees a mining 
depth of 6000 feet would be reached at about 17,000 from the out- 
crop. This is equal to about 40 claims on the dip. 

200 x 40 • . . =8000 claims. 



8000 x 17,000 
136,000,000 at 45s. 
,, at 15s. 

Gold value per claim 
Profit 



» 3> 



= 136,000,000 tons. 
= ^3°6,ooo,ooo gold value. 
= ;£ 102,000,000 profit ,, 
= .£38,250. 

= ;£i2,75o. 



BENONI — MODDERFONTEIN. 

On this section the outcrop of the reef again emerges from under the 
Karoo formation, and consequently it has been worked for many years. 
Until quite recently thorough consistent success has not marked the 
history of the mines, but, like everywhere else on the Rand, scientific 
careful management has stepped in and altered the whole position. 

Judging from the data supplied by the Van Ryn and Modder- 
fontein mines the milling width for the section may be taken at 6 feet. 

The dip appears to be about 30 degrees over the area, but from 
other data work on the further dips will probably prove an average 
of not more than 25 degrees. On this basis a milling width of 6 feet 
would give a tonnage per claim of 35,320 tons. Discarding the 5320 
for contingencies for unpayable ground, dykes, &c, a net milling 
tonnage of 30,000 tons per claim is not an excessive estimate. The 
average results from the outcrop mines appear to be about 36s. 
gold value per ton, and 12s. profit. But to take a conservative esti- 
mate the figures may be taken at 35s. and 10s. respectively. 

From the south-western boundary of the Benoni Gold Mine to 
the eastern boundary of the Modderfontein the distance is 26,000 feet 
along the strike, equal to 167 claims. At a dip of 25 degrees a 
mining depth of 6000 feet would be reached at 13,000 feet from the 
outcrop, equal to 31 claims on the dip. 

l6 7 x 3 1 • • . . =5177 claims. 
5177x30,000 . . =155,310,000 tons. 



^SrfJOjOQo at 35s. 
,, at 10s. 

Gold value per claim 
Profit 



>» j» 



^271,792,500 gold value. 
= £l 7> 6 55>°°o profit „ 

= ^5 2 »5 00 - 



APPENDIX B 365 



MODDERFONTEIN EXTENSION — HOLFONTEIN SECTION. 

This section has only been systematically taken in hand of 
recent years, and the data available consist mainly of the results of 
prospecting boreholes. On the Modderfontein Extension the results 
so far have not been highly encouraging, but on the dip ground of 
the same area the recent prospecting operations on the farm Geduld 
have shown highly satisfactory results. The borehole on that pro- 
perty nearest the outcrop struck the Van Ryn reef at 1391 feet, 
showing a value of 32 dwts. over 6 inches. The No. 2 borehole, 
much further south, struck the reef at 1724 feet, 10 inches thick, 
assaying 101 dwts.; the No. 3 borehole, put down further to the 
east, struck the reef at 2136 feet, showed 17 dwts. for 14 inches of 
reef. These results, although disclosing only thin ore bodies, show 
a high average. The average value is estimated at 48 dwts. over 10 
inches. The average dip disclosed is under 10 degrees. On the 
Rand Klipfontein a shaft struck the reef 18 inches thick, with high 
assay values. On the farm Holfontein several boreholes have been 
put down, all of which have disclosed the Modderfontein and Van 
Ryn series of reefs, but the values have not, so far, been published. 

To assume from these data an average milling width of 2 feet 
over this area, and an average gold value of 45s. per ton carrying 
a profit of 15s., appears to be a moderate estimate, which has every 
chance of being exceeded in actual results. It must be remem- 
bered that two series of reefs probably exist over the area, and 
at some places it is almost certain that both series will prove pay- 
able, in which case the estimated 2 feet of ore may easily be doubled. 
These figures may, therefore, be considered as of a very conservative 
character. The dip disclosed by the deeper boreholes is from 8 to 
10 degrees. But, again, to be on the safe side, the calculations 
may be based on an average of 15 degrees. At this dip 2 feet 
of ore will yield 11,048 tons per claim, or say 10,000 tons. 

From the point where the reef strikes the western boundary of 
the Modderfontein extension to the eastern boundary of Holfon- 
tein is approximately 40,000 feet, equal to 257 claims along the 
strike. At a dip of 15 degrees a mining depth of 6000 feet would 
be reached at 23,000 feet from the outcrop, equal to 55 claims on 
the dip. 

257 x 55 =14,135 claims. 



14,135x10,000 

i4i>35°> 000 at 45 s - • 
„ at 15s. . 

Gold value per claim 

Profit 



j) jj 



= 141,350,000 tons. 

= ^3 l8 .°37,5 00 g° ld value. 
= ^106,012,500 profit ,, 
= .£22,500. 

It being probable that the dip in this area will not average more 
than 10 decrees, the full number of claims to 6000 feet is taken, 
although the profit value per claim is low. 






Chap. 3] 

APPENDIX C 

THE NIGEL DISTRICT 

The principal mine in the Nigel district, which is situated some 
fifteen miles south of the Springs terminus of the Rand railway, and 
between that village and the town of Heidelberg, is the Nigel Gold 
Mine. This Company is one of the largest on the fields, having an 
area of 529 claims, of which, after ten years' work, nearly thirty 
claims have been exhausted. The reef worked is thin, but of high 
grade; it varies in thickness from a fraction of an inch to 18 inches, 
with a rough average of say 6 inches. In past years the working of 
the mine has not given it a proper chance, and the number of shafts 
from which the ore was brought to bank has greatly increased work- 
ing costs. Moreover, the machinery was out of date. About the 
year 1897 the firm of Wernher, Beit & Co. acquired an interest in the 
Company, and development, new equipment, and thorough over- 
hauling was taken in hand. The capital of the Company is now 
^250,000, with ;£6o,ooo debentures. Dividends amounting to over 
^300,000 have been paid. The milling power is 50 stamps. Owing 
to the thinness of the reef working costs are high. 

The Nigel Deep mine commenced crushing in February 1899, 
but the results obtained cannot fairly be deemed properly charac- 
teristic. 

There are a number of other mines in the district floated in the 
boom times of 1895, and all that can be said of them is that their 
chances of success under past conditions were dubious. Were 
working costs reduced considerably some of them could be worked 
at a small profit. 



366 



Chap. 2] 

APPENDIX D 

THE PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAND 1 

By A. Cooper-Key. 

(In the "South African Mining Journal") 

Tabulated below will be found, under the headings Central Section, 
Eastern Section, Far Eastern Section, and Western Section, estimates 
of the increases likely to occur in the stamping power employed by 
Rand mines during the next three years. To-day there are upwards 
of 6000 stamps in operation. At the end of next year it is estimated 
there will be nearly 8000, at the end of 1901 nearly 10,000, and at 
the end of the second year of the twentieth century practically 
12,000. It will be seen that the probable increment is nigh upon 
2000 stamps in each of the next three years, the detailed figures 
showing 1730 extra heads in 1900, and 1950 and 1940 in 1901 and 

1902 respectively. . 

This estimated increase is far in advance of that recorded during 
1899 which was about 900 heads. The year 1898 may then rightly 
be called the deep-level year, for a number of the large deep-level 
subsidiaries of the Rand Mines group commenced their milling 
operations; and a comparison between the last months of 1898 and 
1897 shows for the former the very remarkable expansion represented 
by 1 100 stamps more. Now, in 1899 we are seeing nothing like 
such a rush of new producers ; and what is more to the point, such 
mines as have swollen the Chamber of Mines' output sheet have not 
been crushing with particularly large batteries. 

Each year is found to have its distinguishing features; 1899 

1 This article formed the conclusion of a series which appeared in the South 
African Mining Journal in August 1899. It was written simply in regard to 
industrial progress. Generally the table should hold good if three years are 
added to the later dates given. At this juncture it is difficult to forecast the time 
which must elapse before the mines are brought to the productive activity of the 
middle of 1899— the starting-point of the calculation. 

367 



368 APPENDICES 

is chiefly remarkable (in connection with the subject with which we 
are now intimately concerned) for (a) the entry into the milling stage 
of first deeps whose development was taken in hand somewhat late, 
or which had been hindered by mining or legal conditions, e.g., 
Langlaagte Deep and Ferreira Deep ; (J?) the commencement of 
milling by companies in districts far from the Central Section, e.g., 
Roodepoort Central Deep and Nigel Deep, and (c) the resuscitation 
of such ventures as the Aurora West United, the New United, the 
Lancaster West, and the Chimes Exploration. There has also been 
a noticeable tendency to increase equipments at some of the older 
mines. 

While, therefore, we had 1898 as the great deep-level year for the 
first dip properties, to use a metallurgical metaphor, we only have 
the "tailings" of such first deeps this year. On the contrary, 1900 
will be mainly distinguished as marking the crushing era of the 
second deeps — mines like the Simmer East, Knights Deep, Knights 
Central, and Witwatersrand Deep. The following year will also see 
great activity in this direction, as it is practically certain that the 
Robinson Central Deep, the Jupiter, the Simmer, and Jack West, 
the South Geldenhuis Deep, and the South Rose Deep will then be 
employing mills of 100 stamps each. In 1901 there will not only 
be considerable increase in the stamping power of the first row of 
deeps, but the early producers of the second row will come to the 
front ; and there will be fresh additions from the outcrop mines — 
chief among which will be the Randfontein subsidiaries. 

Taking the sections separately, it may be observed that the 
Central (extending from Langlaagte to Germiston) is likely to furnish 
the largest increase. And these increases will be shown right along 
the line, the section east of Geldenhuis giving, area for area, the 
most substantial additions ; though the Johannesburg district, with 
the Village Deep, Robinson Deep, Robinson Central Deep, Village 
Main Reef and Robinson, will run it close. The Eastern and 
Western Sections show nearly similar figures, the respective estimates 
being 1560 and 1620 heads during the next three years. In the Far 
Eastern Section there are but five representatives ; their aggregate 
additions are, however, put at 565 heads — for a large proportion of 
which Geduld is responsible. 

Viewing the characteristics of the different sections in another 
manner, it is seen that the largest increase expected is during 1901 
in the Central Section. Next comes the Eastern Section in 1902, 
which, with the Angelo, Driefontein, and Comet Dip areas, the 
Cason Block and the Angelo Deep producing, is calculated to give 
additional 760 heads. Both in 1901 and 1902 the Western Section 
will contribute largely, chiefly by reason of the large batteries con- 
templated at Randfontein. 

The additional stamping power in prospect will be about as much 
in the Central as in the Eastern and Far Eastern combined — 2030 



APPENDIX D 



3 6 9 



stamps in the three years — while the Western area figures at 1620 
heads. 

It must be remembered that the following figures are approxi- 
mate, and in the nature of things the time limits cannot be strictly 
defined : — 



Probable Increases in the Milling Power. 



Company. 


Increase in Stamps Running in 


Four Consecutive Years 




Central Section— 


1899. 


1900. 


1901. 


1902. 


Total. 


Village Deep 


... 


... 




IOO 


100 


Robinson Deep 








20 


80 


... 




100 


Robinson Central Deep 










... 


IOO 




IOO 


Village Main Reef 








60 




40 




IOO 


Robinson .... 








... 


"60 






60 


Langlaagte Royal 












60 


60 




120 


Langlaagte Deep . 












100 






IOO 


Ferreira Deep 










5o 




60 




no 


Wolhuter 












So 




IOO 


New Goch 












60 


40 


IOO 


Nourse Deep 












2C 


50 


120 


Henry Nourse 










... 


20 


... 




20 


Jumpers Deep 














50 


50 


IOO 


Jupiter . 












IOO 


So 


150 


Simmer and Jack West 












IOO 


50 


150 


Geldenhuis Deep . 












40 




40 


Simmer and Jack Proprietary 










40 


30 




70 


South Geldenhuis Deep 












lUO 


So 


ISO 


South Rose Deep . 












100 50 


150 


Rose Deep .... 










40 


60 


IOO 




130 


47O 


IOOO 440 


2040 


; Eastern Section— 










Witwatersrand Deep 




60 


40 


IOO 


Glen Deep ..... 


. 




60 


40 


IOO 


Witwatersrand (Knights) 


• 




80 


40 


120 


Glencairn 


. 




40 




40 


Simmer East . 


. . . 


. 




IOO 


50 50 


2CO 


Knights Deep 


. 


. 




IOO 


50 50 


200 


Knight Central 


. . • > 


. 




IOO 


IOO 


200 


Angelo . 


. 


• 




40 




40 


Driefontein . 


. * 


. 




40 




40 


East Rand Proprietary— Angelo, 


Driefon- ) 






300 


700 


tein, and Comet Deeps 












Cason Block .... 


. 






... 


IOO 


IOO 


Angelo Deep .... 


• 








120 


120 

1560 






620 180 760 


Far Eastern Section— 










Benoni .... 




60 40 




IOO 


Kleinfontein Central 










50 




50 


Van Ryn 








35 


40 


75 


New Modderfontein 










9° So 




140 


Geduld .... 












200 


200 












35 


240 90 200 


565 



2 A 



37° 



APPENDICES 






Probable Increases in the Milling Power — continued. 



Company. 


Increase in ! 


Stamps Running in 


F 


our Consecutive Years. 


Western Section— 


1899. 


1900. 


1901. 


1902. 


Total. 


Consolidated Main Reef 




40-40 


40 




120 


Main Reef Deep . 


















80 


80 


Main Reef East 


















80 


80 


Aurora West United 














20 


"20 




40 


Vogelstruis Deep . 
















60 


40 


100 


Roodepoort . 














40 


20 




60 


Roodepoort United 














60 






60 


Roodepoort Central Deep 












.. 


5o 






50 


Durban Roodepoort Deep 














40 






40 


French Rand 














60 


80 




140 


Eton .... 
















60 


40 


100 


Lancaster West 
















5° 




50 


West Rand Mines 
















60 


"60 


T20 


Violet .... 














5° 


50 




IOO 


Randfontein subsidiaries 














... 


240 


240 


480 






400 


680 


54° 


l620 


General Summary— 












Central Section ...... 


130 


470 


1000 


440 


204O 


Eastern Section ...... 




620 


180 


760 


I560 


Far East Section ...... 


35 


240 


90 


200 


565 


Western Section - 




400 


680 


54° 


162O 












165 


1730 


i95° 


1940 


5785 



Taking a basis of 6000 stamps, representing with sufficient 
approximation the number at work on the Rand, according to the 
last published analysis of the Chamber of Mines, the following 
works out as the probable stamping powers at the end of the years 
specified : — 

1899 . . . . 6.165 stamps. 

1900 .... 7,895 „ 

1901 .... 9> 8 45 » 

I902 .... IM85 55 

It will be reasonable to assume the average duty at rather over 
5 tons per stamp per day, each head crushing 150 tons monthly, 
or 1800 tons a year. Indeed, with the recent marked tendency to 
break the rock finer before feeding it into the mortar-boxes, and the 
increase of duty in consequence of improved discharge, even a 
higher figure would be justified. On the basis of 1800 tons per 
stamp per annum, and taking an average number of stamps instead 
of the maxima quoted above, the following tonnages will be 
crushed : — 



In 1900 (7,000 stamps) 
In 1901 (9,000 stamps) 
In 1902 (10,500 stamps) 



12,600,000 tons. 
16,200,000 ,, 
18,900,000 ,, 



APPENDIX D 371 

It has not been thought advisable to assume an increasing mill 
duty, as the heavier weight of the stamps employed will be balanced 
more or less by the growing proportion of harder rock milled. 

For estimating the value of the output, one may rely upon an 
average of £2 per ton crushed — the average for years past. It is 
true that the employment of additional milling power at certain 
properties will tend to a diminution of grade, but, on the other 
hand, the lists include some mines of above average grade. Then 
there must be reckoned the more general adoption of slimes plants 
and the raising of the present high standard of recovery, as well as 
improvement in sorting appliances at many mines. As costs are 
reduced, lower-grade mines will prove remunerative, and the value 
of the recovery will gradually recede ; but this is not an immediate 
contingency. In support of this value it may be mentioned that 
Dr. Hatch assumes it in a recent article in the Engineering Magazine. 
On the tonnages given the values of output would be : — 

In 1900 . . . . ^25,200,000 
In 1901 .... 32,400,000 

In 1902 .... 37,800,000 

It will, however, be recognised that these figures are merely approxi- 
mate, for the data are not such as to enable very close forecasts to 
be made, consequently they are put forward with reserve. 

It was shown in the introductory article of this series that the 
ratios of increase in the value of gold production was 34.6 per cent, 
in 1897 compared with 1896, and 43.07 per cent, in 1898 over 1897. 
The estimates for 1899, 1900, 1901, and 1902 give the following 
ratios : ^^ per cent., 26 per cent., 27.8 per cent., and 16.6 per cent. 

Probably the greatest difficulties in the exploitation of the mines 
in the near future will be (1) the short supply of native labour and 
(2) the question of water. To a great extent the former is being 
circumvented by a liberal use of machine-drills. In this connection, 
too, neither electric drills nor the use of compressed ("liquid") air 
as an explosive should be overlooked as possible sources of economy. 
But in respect of water, the difficulties are bound to be great, and 
they will certainly be increasing. In fact, it is in connection with 
this factor that the great mining industry of the Witwatersrand will 
find its severest problems. Engineering difficulties will be over- 
come by the gradual accumulation of experience. 






Chap. 2] 

APPENDIX E 

DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMMATIC SECTIONS 

By David Draper, F.G.S. 

The diagrammatic sections represent the position and inclination 
of the various beds of which the Witwatersrand is composed. 

Section No. 1. — From Kromdraai through the town of Krugersdorp 
to the northerti boundary of Rietvlei. 

This section intersects the Bothas Reef west of the Krugers- 
dorp railway station, and the Battery Reef west of the Lancaster 
West main shaft, terminating at the Black Reef quartzites on the 
southern bank of the Rietvlei Spruit. On the extreme northern 
limit dolomitic limestone, dipping north at an angle of about 20 
degrees, is shown. This series lies conformably upon Black Reef 
quartzite, in which a layer of gold-bearing quartz has been worked 
for some years past. This is an interbedded layer quite distinct from 
any of the conglomerate series. 

Beneath the quartzite the conglomerates of the Black Reef are 
shown. This reef is badly developed here, and is not worked for 
gold. 

It lies directly upon schist of a peculiar variety, which hitherto 
has only been discovered at this spot, and to which the name 
" Kromdraai schist " has been given. The peculiarities of this schist 
are a large number of sub-angular and rounded blocks of quartzite, 
closely resembling the quartzites of the Witwatersrand, included 
within its mass, and that the schistosity of the main body is in con- 
formity with the longer axes of these blocks or boulders. The rock 
weathers red in colour, while the included blocks are light in colour. 
The relation of this series to the crystalline schist in its vicinity is 
as yet undetermined. In the diagram it is shown overlying them, 
but this is merely tentative, awaiting further investigation. 

The crystalline schists are of the ordinary variety so plentiful 
throughout the country. They consist largely of amphibolite, much 
weathered into a talcose rock on the surface. 

Granite is represented under the schists. It outcrops about a 
quarter of a mile to the eastward of the line of section. 

372 



APPENDIX E 373 

Quartzites of the Witwatersrand appear on the northern slope of 
range. This is the base of what is known as the " Hospital Hill 
series," which consists of quartzites, false bedded and generally dis- 
turbed, dipping southward at an angle of about 30 degrees, on 
which a great thickness of highly ferruginous slate beds rests con- 
formably. There are layers of slate alternating with layers of quartzite, 
especially in the lower portions of the bed, but in the upper part the 
bulk of the rock is slate, included in which there is cne layer of 
dark-coloured slate, generally greatly contorted and crumpled, and 
containing a thin layer of red jasper. 

This layer is shown in the Hospital Hill series. Wherever the 
Hospital Hill series has been discovered this distinguishing layer is 
conspicuous, and it is used as a means of identification — a leading 
bed. 

Quartzite stained green, especially between the layers, is the 
next bed in upward order. Here again the distinguishing feature — 
the green tint — is constant throughout the country, and is conse- 
quently a reliable guide. 

Quartzites continue for some distance farther on, where the first 
bed of conglomerate appears. It is an ordinary conglomerate, about 
2 feet in thickness, and containing a small quantity of gold. 

Conglomerate beds, generally lying directly upon red slaty layers, 
continue interstratified with quartzites to the creek which flows 
from the village of Krugersdorp, where an alteration of the dip of 
the strata, accompanied by a great disturbance of the quartzites, 
indicates the position of a fault. 

It is probable that the beds to the southward have been thrust 
over the northern portion of the series, giving a reverse fault. The 
conglomerate bed shown lying on the red slate immediately south of 
the fault is similar to the bed shown to the northward, of which it 
probably is the continuation. 

Quartzites continue until the ground becomes covered with wind- 
blown sand, under which probably quartzite and slates again occur, 
but of which there is no surface indication until near the outcrop 
of the Bothas Reef series where quartzite is found, and continues 
through the farm Luipaardsvlei almost to the northern boundary of 
the farm Rietvlei. In this series the Bothas, Monarch, Africander, 
and Battery Reef are included, for full particulars of which the reader 
is referred to Truscott's " Witwatersrand Goldfields " (Macmilian 
and Co.). The quartzite series terminates against the lower portion 
of the great sheet of amygdaloidal diabase which runs conformably 
with the conglomerate series, and is shown in the section. 

The Black Reef series, consisting of a layer of conglomerate 
underlying a thick bed of quartzite, which in its turn is covered 
conformably by dolomitic limestone, lies unconformably upon the 
tilted edges of the quartzites of the Witwatersrand. 

The oft-debated question as to the identification of the Bothas 
Reef with the Main Reef has not yet been definitely answered. 



374 APPENDICES 






There is still much to learn about the gold-bearing beds of this part 
of the country before this interesting subject will be exhausted. 



Section No. 2. — From Orange Grove to the Black Reef on 

Roodekop. 

This section, commencing on the farm Zandfontein a little to 
the eastward of the Orange Grove Hotel, passes through the Doorn- 
fontein valley, between the pumping-station and the wire fence 
which separates Bezuidenhoud's reserve from the suburbs of Johan- 
nesburg, over the hill beyond the residence of Mr. Henry Lorentz, 
through the western end of Beigravia, intersects the western portion 
of the Henry Nourse, and after crossing the valley at the upper end 
of the Rosherville dam and the Elsburg series on the old Natal 
main road, terminates at the Orion Company's ground on Roodekop. 

This section begins with granite, which comes to daylight below 
the north base of the Witwatersrand. Crystalline schists lie between 
the granite and the quartzites forming the lowest beds of the Hos- 
pital Hill series, which here is identical in every detail to those in 
the section previously described. All the beds in the former are 
repeated in the latter. 

Up to Bezuidenhoud's valley the strata is a duplication of that 
on Honing Klip north of Krugersdorp, but here an alteration occurs. 
Amygdaloidal diabase similar to that on Rietvlei, which is so pro- 
minent a feature in the geology of the country south of the con- 
glomerate series, is found occupying a considerable extent of country 
to the eastward of the line of section, and running westward, until it 
is lost under surface sand, nearer the town of Johannesburg. This 
diabase is schistose in structure, and shows evidence of great move- 
ment in its mass after cooling. It underlies a thick bed of quartzite, 
containing in its upper portion a great number of conglomerate beds, 
which in general character are identical with the upper beds of the 
conglomerate series, known as the Elsburg group of reefs. In many 
particulars these beds are distinguishable from the older conglo- 
merates of the Main Reef and other series. They contain fragments 
of Hospital Hill slate and green quartzite, which are only found in 
the Hospital Hill series. They also contain many partly angular 
fragments of quartzite, some over 20 lbs. in weight. These have 
been subjected to slight attrition, in comparison to the rounded and 
egg-shaped pebbles of the older series. 

Several of the early geologists noticed the similarity between the 
conglomerates occupying this position behind the Main Reef series 
and the Elsburg series, which lies a couple of miles south. Amongst 
these, Mr. A. R. Sawyer and Dr. F. H. Hatch were the best known. 

The conglomerates, in the position shown in section, dip to the 
southward at an angle varying from 70 degrees to about 35. They 
are greatly faulted and much disturbed. They lie directly upon the 



APPENDIX E 375 

Hospital Hill series, which is vertical, and contain a repetition of 
the peculiarly-marked contorted slate, and of the green quartzite. 

The Main Reef lies to the southward, and it is followed in turn 
by the Livingstone, Bird, Kimberley, and finally the Elsburg groups, 
which are all shown in the sections. 

It will be noticed that there is a gradual flattening of the strata 
to the southward. The Main Reef and the strata, both beneath and 
above it, are almost vertical ; there is a distinctly flattening dip in 
the next group, and this continues until the dip of the Elsburg has 
been lessened to 30 degrees. 

Amygdaloidal diabase lies conformably upon the Elsburg beds. 

Further to the south the Black Reef, with its accompanying 
quartzites and dolomitic limestone, lying comparatively flat, and con- 
sequently unconformable to the older series. 

Section 3. — From Zuurfontein to Klippoortje. 

This section starts from the granite on Zuurfontein, intersecting 
the New Rietfontein and Knight's mines, and, after passing through 
the Elsburg series at the railway cutting, terminates on the Black 
Reef on Klippoortje. 

It differs in several important respects from Section No. 2, though 
the distance between the sections is not more than six miles. 

Granite followed by schist outcrops on Zuurfontein, but amygda- 
loidal diabase appears instead of the Hospital Hill series, and con- 
tinues to the foot of the hill on which the Rietfontein mine is 

situated. 

A portion of the conglomerate beds which lie interstratified in 
the quartzites has faulted over, and now lies inclined to the north- 
ward, whereas the dip of the strata in the main body is vertical, 
inclining to the southward farther away towards the Main Reef. 

In this instance again there is ample evidence that the beds, 
which include the New Rietfontein Reef, are portions of the more 
southern Elsburg series, which have been placed in its present position 
by faulting. 

Fragments of Hospital Hill slate and green quartzite are here 
abundant in several layers, especially in one which is almost entirely 
composed of these fragments in a partly-rolled condition; this is 
marked " Breccia " in the section. 

The Hospital Hill series, again maintaining its characteristics, 
crops out for a great distance to the southward. It is vertical 
in dip, and on account of its great thickness is shown as having 
been duplicated by faulting. This is advanced tentatively, pending 
further investigation. Owing to surface covering, the geology of this 
portion of the section is somewhat obscure. 

The Main Reef on Knights is shown in duplicate. This is in 
accordance with known facts. To the southward the Livingstone, 
Bird, Kimberley, and Elsburg are shown at gradually flattening 



376 APPENDICES 

angles, as they were observed on the surface. Finally the Black 
Reef, with its accompanying beds, completes the section. 

The causes which have brought about the great displacement of 
the strata mentioned in the preceding pages are not easily to be 
explained. 

Taking No. 2 section as showing the most complete succession 
of the strata, the difficulty lies in the duplication of the older 
beds — the Hospital Hill series — taken in conjunction with the dis- 
placement of beds whose main body lies at present at least two miles 
to the southward of the Main Reef, and again the fact that the 
amygdaloidal diabase, which overlies the Elsburg series in its normal 
position, is found underlying the conglomerates in the hill near 
Lorentz House. This means not only faulting, but faulting accom- 
panied by a great overthrust of the upper portion of the conglomerate 
beds — in reality the Elsburg series — and by their complete 
inversion. 

But there is another difficulty to explain away, and that is how 
to account for the inclined position of that portion of the Hospital 
Hill series which has maintained its proper place on the northern 
flank of Bezuidenhoud's valley, and the vertical position of its dupli- 
cated portion, which lies immediately to the south of the faulted 
Elsburg series on Lorentz Hill. 

For the purpose of identification in the sections these portions 
are marked A and Ai for the two outcrops of the Hospital Hill 
series, and B for the faulted Elsburg, Bi indicating the amygdaloidal 
diabase. 

"A" beds dip at an angle of 35 degrees south. 
" Ai " beds are vertical. 

" B " beds dip at irregular angles to the south. 
"Bi " shows marked schistosity in the same direction. 
The "Ai " beds are distinctly Elsburg. 

The " Bi " beds are amygdaloidal diabase, altered by movements 
into a variety showing marked schistosity. 

These are the facts from which the following theory may be 
deduced : — 

The great earth movements, which culminated in placing the 
Witwatersrand beds in their present position, were preceded by the 
intrusion of the great boss of granitic rock which lies between 
Johannesburg and Pretoria. 

The movement of the sedimentary beds was distinctly upward, 
and consequently the upper beds, being unable to slide away to the 
south owing to their southern terminations butting up against the 
fractured ends of the southern portion of the strata, which was pro- 
bably being subjected to exactly similar movements, were compelled 
to slide upward along the planes of least resistance. 

So the Elsburg series passed over all the underlying beds until 
its northern end reached the base of the Hospital Hill series, which 
had been thrust into an upright position, and then fell into the chasm 



APPENDIX E 377 

formed by the sinking of that part of the Hospital Hill series which 
lies to the northward of the Bezuidenhoud valley. 

During this fall the Elsburg series became inverted, and now lies 
upon the amygdaloidal diabase, which accompanied it in the journey 
instead of being in its position under it. 

If it is admitted that this description explains the occurrence of 
a portion of the Elsburg series at Lorentz Hill, it must be granted 
that the same reasoning will explain the position of the reefs on 

Rietfontein. 

The problem is, however, a very difficult one, and this attempt 
to explain the position of these faulted beds is put forward with all 
diffidence, and with a full appreciation of the limited amount of our 
present knowledge on the subject of faulting in connection with the 
strata which compose the Witwatersrand beds. 






Chap. 4] 

APPENDIX F 

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN 
MONOPOLIES IN SWAZILAND, 

AND FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTRY IN A 
PERMANENT MANNER AND FOR THE OCCUPA- 
TION OF THE LAND. 

By W. P. Fraser, Esq. 

Argument. — The lawless condition of Swaziland, the state of 
chaos which prevails in its administration, the lamentable condition 
of the natives, all show that the present state of affairs can no longer 
be tolerated. The hopes at one time entertained that transfer of 
the country step by step from British to Boer domination would 
ensure better rule and a humane treatment to the native have 
proved illusory. 

There is practically no income, and if the affairs of Swaziland are 
treated in a patchwork manner with the idea of meeting the problems 
tentatively, leaving the rest to time, then those parts suitable for 
European occupation will become inhabited by trek-Boers who will 
claim rights of occupation, which, when the land is wanted by the 
Imperial authorities for sale and occupation by Europeans, it will be 
found hard to resist. 

In the meantime Swaziland must be governed, the border must 
be protected, smuggling must be checked, dealings in stolen gold, 
gun-running and sale from illicit distilleries, can no longer be allowed 
to find so convenient a base of operations. 

Provision would have to be made for an annual deficit of at 
least ^100,000. 

It is felt necessary, in the first instance, to sweep away all 
monopolies and concessions, and to cancel all land grants, whether 
issued by the Swazi king with or without his Council, and whether 
confirmed by the Swazi court or not (or whether issued by any 
subsequent authority), except in such cases that may be specially 
provided for and upon grounds that such have fulfilled the condi- 
tions of their concessions or grants, or otherwise not being repugnant 

378 



APPENDIX F 379 

to the general interests of the country, may have justified their 
existence or continuance. 

Areas of mining concessions in some instances overlap each 
other, and the boundaries of land grants are not conterminous 
with those of mining areas. 

The terms of land grants are positive and active in character. 
Areas were granted for a fixed term of years against an annual 
quitrent and for definite active objects. Not in freehold or for 
objects either passive or permissive. The land or farming grants 
contain a general clause " for all agricultural and farming purposes," 
and with a native-protection clause "shall not, however, disturb 
those Swazi subjects already living on the land," or clauses to a 
similar effect. As was foreseen, this clause was intended to be 
inoperative, and was employed as a blind merely to satisfy the 
Exeter Hall party that the interests of the natives were being safe- 
guarded. 

Preliminary Inquiry. 

It is suggested to appoint a private Commission of search and 
inquiry into the records of and titles to land or leases of land in 
Swaziland. And this with instructions immediately to take pos- 
session of the Register Offices both in Pretoria and Bremersdorp, as 
well as the office of the Swazi agent in Pretoria, with the object of 
ascertaining the present condition of Swaziland (having reference 
to the Pretoria Convention and subsequent conventions), and for 
framing suggestions for remedial measures of a permanent nature, 
when it probably wiil be found desirable 

To Appoint Swazi Land Grant and Concessions Commission. 

Power A. — To cancel and annul all land grants, concessions, 
monopolies, rights, privileges or interests which have been acquired 
by or are held by the Transvaal Government, either in whole or in 
part ; and that with or without compensation to any individual or 
association or company that may have held back or retained or 
acquired or claim to be entitled to any rights, privileges, or interests 
together or in conjunction with either the Transvaal Government or 
any of its subjects, or the Swazi nation or any of its subjects. 

Power B.—To cancel and annul all land grants, land con- 
cessions, leases or servitudes, all monopolies or concessions or 
contracts, whether industrial or otherwise, and all rights, privileges, 
or interests that may have been acquired by or are held by any 
individuals, syndicates, associations or companies, either held in 
part or jointly with others or in whole ; and that with or without com- 
pensation to any such individual, syndicate, association or company 
(or compensation in part to the one), and to refrain from awarding 
compensation to any others, where, in the opinion of the Commission, 
the aforesaid shall have been fraudulent in origin, or now be 



380 APPENDICES 

fraudulently held, or may be held contra bonos mores, or may be 
repugnant to the general interest or a hindrance to the development 
of the country. 

Power C. — To give notice of cancellation or annulment of any or 
all land grants or concessions, leases or servitudes, any or all mono- 
polies, concessions or contracts, industrial or otherwise, whether of 
a public and general or of a specific nature, and any mining or water 
concessions, grants, leases, easances, servitudes, or privileges, and 
that either in whole or in part, that may have been acquired or held 
or may now be held by any individuals, syndicates, associations or 
companies, either held in part or jointly, with others or in whole, 
where in the opinion of the Commission it shall appear that the 
aforesaid shall have been bona fide in origin, legitimately acquired, 
and bona fide held at the present time, for the purposes of legiti- 
mate use, development, carrying on, employment or fulfilment ; but 
where in the opinion of the Commission it shall also appear that the 
said purposes or other the conditions expressed in the aforesaid 
have been obstructed, delayed, defeated, or rendered nugatory by 
unforeseen circumstances, or the act of God, or the Queen's 
enemies, or from other circumstances in the opinion of the Com- 
mission reasonable, and efficient endeavours have been made and 
will continue to be made to carry out the said purposes or other the 
conditions and intentions of the aforesaid ; the said notice having 
been given, and that with or without compensation to any such 
individual, syndicate, association or company, the said notice shall 
take effect upon the date specified and except as in hereinafter 
provided, without further notice, shall be final : — 

Except, however, where, in reply to such notice and in such cases 
as the Commission may think fit, upon application or proper repre- 
sentation made by the aforesaids, either in person or through their 
representative in manner to be prescribed, the said individual, syndi- 
cate, association or company shall apply for suspension of the said 
notice, and shall adduce satisfactory evidence that reasonable and 
efficient endeavours have been made to carry on ; and shall, if re- 
quired by the Commission, provide adequate guarantees that the 
said purposes or other the conditions and intentions expressed in 
the aforesaid shall be carried out, and the concessions rendered 
effectual ; the Commission may temporarily suspend the said notice 
and may reopen or reconsider such case, and the Commission may, 
within the scope of their authority, then, in terms of their instruc- 
tions, make such further order or ruling as to them under the circum- 
stances may appear just and equitable. 

[Here I had the intention to enter into detail, showing how a 
defined mining area might be granted to replace in part a concession, 
but subject to mining laws and rules and regulations that might here- 
after come in force.] 



APPENDIX F 381 



Swazi Native Reserve- 



Power D. — The appointment of reliable and trustworthy native 
Commissioners and the setting apart of adequate areas for native 
reserves is a question which claims immediate attention. 

In connection with this it may be suggested that provision be 
made for other areas of considerable extent as a source of supply 
for the Rand Native Labour Department. 

The maladministration of the Boer Government, the results of 
free drink traffic among natives, the malpractices of the lower 
officials and labour touts, make it very difficult to form a ready 
estimate; but it appears that the Witwatersrand mining district, 
together with the collieries, can employ from 100,000 to 125.000 
Kaffirs. Taking the number of 100,000 as a basis, however, and 
assuming that upon 40,000 of these the companies expend the 
average of £$ per head in costs of its labour bureau, in contracts 
for labour agencies, commissions, travelling charges, payments to 
Portuguese authorities, &c, there is apparently a yearly expenditure 
upon native labour of some ^200,000, part of which may be econo- 
mised by domiciling another source of labour nearer the mines. 

Tracts of Swaziland are well adapted, or it would not have been 
the chosen home of a warlike and manly race, and it would appear 
that if provision could be made for 20,000 natives in the suggested 
areas that the revenues of the Swazi province would be increased by 
the hut-tax receipts, while the other moneys now being paid to the 
Portuguese authorities would be disseminated in the Transvaal State. 
To issue 3 J per cent. Swaziland Provincial Bonds of ^100 or 
multiples thereof to the extent of ,£500,000 or less, redeemable at 
London in the year 1950 at 100, or if earlier at 10 1, and payable as 
to the half-yearly interest in London, Cape Town, or Pretoria at par. 
To satisfy the concessionaires and claimants out of these bonds, 
paying the several awards in bonds. 

To devote the unused portion of the above Swazi debt for tem- 
porary necessities of the Swazi province, as well as providing for the 
first few years' interest on debt. 

Argument.— -Whatever the destiny of Swaziland may be, and 
what may be the place assigned to her among the States of Southern 
Africa, whether absorbed into an amended Transvaal State or for 
purposes of administration be treated as a separate unit, the province 
can well bear the interest on half a million or a million sterling to 
set her free from the shackles which a maladministration has fastened 

on her. 

The land, the mining industries, the timber, coal and other 
assets of the province will be set free, and under security for life and 
property will be exploited. 

The time seems opportune, the method seems the simplest and 
most convenient, the public debt of a million can easily be borne by 
an unencumbered and emancipated province. 



3 82 



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Chap. iiJ 

~ APPENDIX G 

ABSTRACT OF A REPORT ON THE 
AGRICULTURAL AND MINERAL POSSIBILITIES OF 
CERTAIN DISTRICTS OF THE TRANSVAAL, 

AND PARTICULARLY OF THE UNOCCUPIED 
GOVERNMENT LANDS. 

Presented to H. H. President Kruger by D. M. Wilson, 

Ja?iuary 1897. 

Beginning at Pretoria, I proceeded via Heidelberg, Standerton, 
Volksrust, Wakkerstroom, Utrecht, Vryheid, Piet Retief, Amster- 
dam, Ermelo, Carolina, Komati, De Kaap, Machadodorp, Lyden- 
burg, Roos Senekal, Middelburg, Olifant's River, back to Pretoria. 
Thence to Waterburg, Piet Potgieters Rust, Zoutpansberg, Selati 
Goldfields, and through part of Rustenburg back to Pretoria. 
From Pretoria to Wonderfontein via the Moot, Potchefstroom, Ven- 
tersdorp. Hartebeestefontein, Klerksdorp, Bloemhof, and Christiana. 

My tour was rendered difficult by the absence of the plans and 
diagrams promised me, the few I possessed proving very incomplete 
and in many cases inaccurate, so that I was often dependent on 
farmers for information on matters that should have been afforded 

me by proper maps. . . 

I have not thought it necessary to report on the Pretoria district, 
that being so well known to your Honour. 

Heidelberg District. 

Between Heidelberg, Potchefstroom, and Johannesburg I came 
upon thirtv or forty very desirable plots of Government ground 
(Uitvalerond)} varying in size from four to forty morgen. As they 
are being used by the farmers whose lands they adjoin, they are 
producing no return to the Government. Although they are for the 
most part waterless, they could be made valuable by the repeal ot 

1 Uitvalgrond^Vieccs, of ground lying between and not included in surveys 

of farms. 

383 



384 APPENDICES 

the recently passed law forbidding the turning of water from its 
natural course. 

Speaking as one familiar with the gold conditions of the country, 
I can say that as those plots lie within the gold belt they will very 
soon become of value, and for that reason steps should be taken to 
secure them to the Government by preventing their alienation, a 
fate which threatens them. 

I found that great improvement had been made in the amount 
of land under mealies and forage, compared with its conditions some 
sixteen years ago ; but the farmers have still much to learn, as they 
refuse to cultivate the higher portions, which are allowed to lie waste, 
they believing that forage crops can only be raised on the portions 
along the watercourses. 

I was agreeably surprised to find a large increase and improve- 
ment in the quantity and quality of vegetables and fruit now grown ; 
gardens have been planted and the farmers derive a good income 
from supplying the wants of the gold-diggers of the district. Still 
manv hundreds of thousands of acres are allowed to lie idle which 
could be turned to profitable account. 

Town Lands. — I consider that these are unnecessarily large, and 
I would remind your Honour of the old dispute in the matter of the 
town and these lands. It will be remembered that the original pro- 
prietors of the farm on which Heidelberg now stands gave it on 
conditions that have never been fulfilled, namely, that the proceeds 
of the sale of erven be paid alternately to the Government and to 
the owner. The farm itself was never transferred to the Govern- 
ment, so that it is within the bounds of possibility that the heirs of 
the owner, who are living in great poverty, may yield to the pressure 
of certain speculative law agents and enter into possession, their 
claim being such as would probably be upheld in a court of law. 
I believe a small sum, paid by way of compensation to the heirs, 
would ensure the transfer of the land to the Government. This is 
a matter that calls for prompt attention, for as matters now stand 
the Government is neither owner of the town nor of the town lands. 
By a besluit taken by the Volksraad in 1878 and another in 1884, 
instructions were given to have this matter settled, but nothing has 
been done. 

It occurred to me that alluvial gold might be found near the 
town. I devoted several days to investigation and found deposits, 
but not sufficiently rich or promising to justify me in advising the 
Government to follow the matter up. Reef-mining near the portion 
of the district south of Heidelberg has not, I regret to say, so far 
proved satisfactory. I found in this district asbestos, mica, and 
gypsum, which abound in large quantities. 

A private person has placed some three hundred poor farmers 
on about 3000 morgen of land in the south of the district. These 
settlers are of various nationalities, and the experiment has proved 
very successful, all of them being in a flourishing condition. They 
have planted orchards and gardens, which are good and promising. 



APPENDIX G 3 8 5 



Standertox. 



Water in this district is plentiful, but the climate is cold in 
winter. There is no reason, however, why crops of all kinds should 
not nourish here, there being facilities for the production of large 
quantities of grain. Trees succeed wherever planted, but unfortu- 
nately the farmers have not arrived at that stage at which they can 
see profit- in tree-planting. Some of the farms possess a few small 
willow-trees, but that is all. Cattle do well here, many farmers 
possessing hundreds. No effort is made to provide winter food in 
the shape of hay, so that they lose in winter what tney have gained 
in summer. Poultry do well here, this being a branch of the farm- 
in* industry which should be encouraged throughout tne Transvaal, 
especially when we remember that the Free State exported into the 
Transvaal ^26,000 worth of poultry, eggs, &c, last year. This re- 
markable success on the part of the Free State farmers is attributed 
to the instruction given the farmers by the expert retained for the 
purpose by the Orange Free State Government. 

VOLKSRUST. 

The coldness of the climate in the district renders it unsuitable 
for farming purposes, and the town only owes its importance to its 
being a border town. 

Wakkerstroom. 

Wakkerstroom is one of the richest agricultural districts I have 
seen on my tour. Cattle and sheep farming flourish, and though my 
visit was made in mid-winter, I never saw a poor ox. Dairy farming 
pays well, butter and poultry being produced in large quantities, and 
the farmers as a body are the richest in the Transvaal. The large 
extent of unoccupied Government lands is admirably adapted for 
occupation by poor farmers, and I strongly recommend the Govern- 
ment to put some of the arme Boewi 1 of Johannesburg and 1 retoria 
here. The cost of starting them with supplies of food and agricul- 
tural implements would be much less than the total amount doled 
out to them at various times in cash and kind. 

Minerals.— Wakkerstroom is a district to which the prospector 
has not yet devoted any attention. I was shown by the Landdrost 
some very rich specimens of quartz which came from a farm adjoin- 
ing the town lands. The formation of the Wakkerstroom mountains 
led me to believe that coal, petroleum, and other minerals exist 
there Owing to the richness of the land, the population is to be 
found almost entirely on the farms, the town consisting principally 
of houses erected by the farmers to accommodate them during 
NachtmaalP- 

1 Arme Boer=?oox burgher. a Nachtmaal= Communion servic 

2 B 



386 APPENDICES 



Utrecht. 



This village possesses many beautiful gardens, but the farms in 
the district are far too large. A farm of three to four thousand 
morgen is too much for one man. I found on an average only about 
six morgen cultivated on farms of three and four thousand morgen. 
Utrecht being so near the Natal line, excellent facilities are afforded 
for taking produce to a good market either on the Rand or in Natal. 
Cattle raising proves so profitable and easy, that the farmers will not 
trouble to cultivate the soil. Lung sickness and the diseases of 
sheep are of rare occurrence in the district. I found no trace of 
minerals in the district. 

Vryheid. 

I found a very contented population in this district, especially 
those engaged in poultry farming to any extent, and as a body they 
are prosperous. The northern portions are warm, and the possi- 
bilities for maize and similar crops are very great. The roads are 
exceptionally bad, and the introduction of railways would make this 
one of the most prosperous districts. 

Paul Pieters Dorp. 

Paul Pieters Dorp is only three years old. It consists of about 
ten houses, while the town lands occupy ten thousand morgen, all 
good for grazing or the plough, and there is plenty of water. 

There is an abundance of coal in the district, which the farmers 
dig and use for themselves as they require it. 

There are also mica and asbestos. 

In this district is the small German settlement called Luneburg, 
consisting of about ioo small farmers settled on small plots of land 
which they have transformed into prolific gardens. They have 
planted large quantities of Black Wattle and Blue Gum Trees 
which thrive well, and they produce hay for winter forage which 
keeps their cattle in excellent condition all through the winter. This 
was the only place where I could obtain forage for my horses. The 
great drawbacks are the roads and river drifts, which at times are 
almost impassable. 

Piet Retief. 

Piet Retief is a thriving little village which largely owes its pros- 
perity to the loans advanced judiciously to the farmers by Mr. Tosen, 
member of the First Raad for the district. It is also the centre of 
trade with Swaziland. 

Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam is sparsely inhabited by very poor farmers. Sheep 
flourish here, and the possibilities of the district are great, but little 



APPENDIX G 3 8 7 

or nothing has been done to take advantage of them. Stream tin is 
found in most of the natural watercourses. 

Ermelo. 

Ermelo being a very large district I visited only part of it. 
Wherever I went I found wealthy farmers owning large numbers of 
sheep and cattle, but agriculture is sadly neglected. 

I found mica, gold, asbestos, and sapphires here, and from indi- 
cations I have no doubt that diamonds exist, though whether they 
would be payable is impossible for me to say. 

The climate is medium, being very cold in winter. 

Carolina. 

What I have said of Ermelo applies to this district. 
The soil is a beautiful rich loam, and runs for miles along the 
banks of the Upper Komati River, but no use is made of it. 
There are no Government lands. 

Komati. 

Komati is very warm and practically uninhabited except in the 
winter, when the trek-Boeren 1 go there. I saw only a few Kaffir 
gardens. Poor farmers might be placed here advantageously, as it is 
a splendid cattle district. There are large tracts of Government 
ground. There are mineral springs here which are highly spoken 
of, and minerals are plentiful. I saw gold, copper, iron, tin, lead, 
mica, the latter being in the largest sheets I have seen in the country, 
and if opened up would prove highly payable. I saw also remains 
of ancient gold workings. 

De Kaap. 

This district, as your Honour is aware, consists of over two 
million morgen, all Government ground, with ample water and facili- 
ties for profitable farming. Of the gold-producing capabilities there 
is no occasion for me to speak. 

When I was Gold Commissioner of the district I impressed upon 
the Government the wisdom of its spending a few hundred pounds 
to prove the depth at which the alluvial deposits extends, there 
being every reason to believe that the whole of the De Kaap Valley 
basin is a rich alluvial deposit, as wherever shafts have been sunk, 
this theory has been supported. 

I still adhere to the opinion on this subject I have so frequently 
expressed to your Honour. The advantage of proving this theory 
would be, it would encourage the poor diggers instead of the mem- 
bers of rich syndicates, who hasten to amass money and leave the 

1 Trek-Boercn- Fanners going to the low country with their stock. 



388 APPENDICES 

country. I particularly draw your Honour's attention to the facilities 
offered by the Elands River Valley for settlement by poor farmers. 
It is sad to see mile upon mile of the richest soil in South Africa 
lying idle. 

The nearness of the spot to the Delagoa Bay Railway makes this 
an ideal district for farming, and part of it is Government land. The 
only cultivation is done by a few Kaffirs, and I saw mealie plants 
twelve feet high bearing three to six cobs apiece. Everything that is 
grown in South Africa will grow and nourish here, yet no use is made 
of it. 

Machadodorp. 

There being nothing to be seen in this cold and dreary spot, I 
made no stay here. 

Lydenburg. 

This mountainous and well-watered district offers excellent 
inducement for the cultivation of tobacco, the leaf grown here being 
the finest I have smoked in the Transvaal. 

Lung sickness in cattle is very prevalent, and calls for a strict 
system of isolation of infected spots. Not one-tenth of the gold 
resources of this district are known, it being very rich in both alluvial 
and reef. 

Roos Senekal. 

Although this district is wonderfully fertile, I found the inhabi- 
tants more poverty-stricken than any I have met in the Transvaal. 
They mainly consist of arme Boeren, who, instead of benefiting by 
their being placed in a position to improve their condition, have 
deteriorated, and live in a condition of squalid misery and poverty. 
Their only excuse is that they are far from any market and the 
roads are very bad. Until the railway reaches them their condition 
is not likely to improve. Nearly all the land in the district is 
Government land, and affords room for thousands of poor farmers ; 
but to place them here on the old system would result in making 
their condition even worse than at present. 

Olifants River. 

The fertile character of this district is well known to your Honour, 
so I will merely call attention to the fact that the Government lands 
here open for settlement are very extensive. This district has always 
had a bad reputation as a fever country. This character it does not 
now deserve, as fever has now been rare for years. 

Middelburg. 

The cobalt, coal, and iron ore of this district are too well known 
for remark. It is a good district for cattle, part of it being very 



APPENDIX G 3 8 9 

warm; but very little improvement or advance of an industrial 
character has been made during the fourteen years I have known it. 
I found cinnabar and opals here. 

The extensive saltpans could be turned into a profitable industry 
by the introduction of the necessary machinery. 

I also found borax. 

The Government owns large tracts of land in this district, but 
owing to the incomplete character of the maps and diagrams, I was 
dependent upon local information as to their extent. 

From Middelburg I returned to Pretoria, having completed a 
tour covering iooo miles. 

Waterburg. 

The agricultural advantages of this large district are well known 
to your Honour. 

I would, however, direct your attention to the vast possibilities 
there are for the profitable cultivation of fruit, coffee, and cocoa. Not 
one thousandth part of the rich district is utilised. It is nearly all 
owned by the rich farmers of the high veld, who use it as a winter 
retreat for their cattle. 

The little cultivation is done by Kaffirs, and the yield of mealies, 
wheat, and Kaffir corn is prolific in the extreme. 

Minerals exist in larger quantities and varieties thanks supposed. 
I found quicksilver, free from cinnabar, a ruby, and zinc. A rare 
and valuable black diamond has been discovered here. Owing to 
the uninhabited condition of the district, I was not able to go far 
into it. 

Piet Potgieter's Rust. 

This place could be made, and probably will become, a thriving 
township. 

The soil is rich over a vast area, and well watered from the 
River Nyl, whose supply is unlimited. 

The place suffers very considerably as a result of the character 
of the leading officials, who have been very unfortunately chosen. 

Within a very short distance of this place is a very extensive 
unworked alluvial gold-field, which, however, will require to have 
water led to it before it could be worked. It is here that the very 
successful farm was founded by Amm of Johannesburg, the planta- 
tions of orange and other fruit trees proving highly successful. 

PlETERSBURG. 

Pietersburg has made great strides lately. As an example 1 may 
mention that I gave a small plot of ground here to a farmer six years 
ago. It was then worth ^20, but by planting a vegetable garden 
and orchards, the plot has been increased in value to ^800. 

Corn and mealies flourish here, but the district suffers much 
from locusts. 



390 APPENDICES 

Alluvial gold exists here in payable quantities, but the reef 
mining has not proved a success. 

Haneartsburg and Selati Goldfields. 

I found a few farmers here who had been located by the 
Government four years ago. They have succeeded well, having 
erected good residences from the timber in the Government forests, 
but the distance from a market is a great drawback. The Letaba 
is inhabited by a few diggers, but gold does not pay, and I was not 
favourably impressed by the place or its possibilities. The number 
of lions in the district renders it unsafe for habitation and settle- 
ment. 

Selati to Pietersburg. 

Vast tracts of Government land exist here, and copper is found 
in large quantities. It is taken from the Massene copper mines by 
the natives and smelted in a crude manner. 

An assay I had made gave a payable percentage of gold. 

I consider that in this the Government have an asset quite equal 
in value to the gold mines of the Rand. 

Magatoland. 

Magatoland I did not go into, but from inquiries I made of 
those who had been there, I was satisfied that if ever this district 
comes under the full control of the Government, it might with 
advantage and profit be given out to poor farmers, as it is very 
fruitful, and Kaffir labour is cheap and plentiful. 



RUSTENBTJRG. 

I did not consider it necessary to travel over the large area of 
Government land in this district, as it is well known to your Honour. 
I went along the Crocodile River some sixty miles, and found it very 
fruitful, but only inhabited by stray Kaffirs. 

I found cinnabar, lead, opals, and nitrate of soda and diamonds. 

The district south-west of Pretoria I visited only with the object 
of locating minerals, which makes the subject of another report. 

At Lichtenburg I found indications of diamonds. 



Recommendations. 

Vryheid. — The matter of the bad roads calls for prompt atten- 
tion. People complain of the neglect of the road inspectors. 

Heidelberg. — The matter of the town lands and the transfer of 
them and the town to the Government is urgent, if future difficulties 
are to be avoided. 



APPENDIX G 39 1 

Lydenburg.—Tht farmers are clamouring for the railway, and 
express their disgust at the matter having been postponed. 

Moos SenekaL—Ko notice should be taken of the complaints 
from this district. The people are lazy, and expect the Government 

to maintain them. , 

Waterburg.— There are great complaints here that the Flakkers- 
wet is not strictly enforced, the chief offenders being officials. 

Pietersburg.— Complaints are very numerous on the score ot tne 
neglect of the road inspectors. A suggestion for the establishment 
of an agricultural department to instruct the farmers as to the best 
stock to procure is worthy the attention of the Government. 

Carolina.— Great dissatisfaction and discontent is expressed by 
the farmers in regard to the construction of the bridge over the 
Komati, which they allege has been erected in the wrong pace. 
On inspecting it, I found their complaints justified, and am fully in 
accord with them. The Government may expect deputations from 
the district on this subject. 



Chap, ii] 



APPENDIX H 



TRANSVAAL LAND 

(Compiled by J. C. Minnaar, Esq., Registrar of Deeds, Pretoria.) 

Farms owned by Private Owners. 



Name of District. 



Pretoria . 

Potchefstroom 

Rustenburg 

Lydenburg 

Middelburg 

Waterberg 

Zoutpansberg 

Heidelberg 

M. W. Stroom 

Utrecht . 

Mar i co . 

Lichtenburg 

Bloemhof 

Ermelo . 

Piet Retief 

Vryheid . 

Carolina . 

Krugersdorp 

Total 



Surveyed. 



Freehold 
Farms. 



Morg. i Rod. 
790,665-320 
535,004-314 
475.580-451 
172,888-248 
198,389-469 
163,065-317 

412,993-169 
51,127-461 

22I .795-4i3 
141,189-97 

250,727-504 
74- I 79-3°2 



97.477-13° 
182,652-212 



Quitrent 
Farms. 



Morg. Rod. 
491,011-434 

658,592-31 
650,489-7 

1,234,464-140 

1,134,847-370 

960,035-270 

604,341-312 

373,130 259 

579,245-559 
273.244-582 
330,811-97 
778,932-502 
659,411-29 
1,178,501-403 
424,606-457 
769,337-488 
361,938-296 
120,057-372 



Inspected and Estimated. 



Freehold 
Farms. 



13,854,697-523 



Morg. Rod. 
182,701-172 
115. i35-oo 
176,882-00 

I2 4> 553-^0 

19,000-00 

221,186-00 

9,100-00 

34,599-00 

12,900-00 

3,000-00 

52,43 -oo 
36,950-00 
15,010-00 



15,000-00 
33,652-00 



Quitrent 
Farms. 



12,229,436-264 11,059,107-172 



Morg. Rod. 

260,840-546 

254,308-00 

929,191-00 

883,518-00 

174,206-00 

1,900,705-00 

1,540,265-00 

18,075-00 

119,450-00 

19,150-00 

209,791-376 

132,500-00 

20,485-00 

34,699-oo 

8,500-00 

204,443-00 

105,770-00 

33,310-00 



6,889,415-322 



1 Morgen-2.l\2 acres. The recognised size of a Transvaal farm is 3750 
morgen, but notwithstanding this they vary greatly in size. 



39 



APPENDIX H 



393 



Government Farms. 





Surveyed. 


Inspected an 


d Estimated. 


Name of District. 












Freehold 


Quitrent 


Freehold 


Quitrent 




Farms. 


Farms. 


Farms. 


Farms. 




Morg. Rod. 


Morg. Rod. 


Morg. Rod. 


Morg. Rod. 


Pretoria . 


228-268 


22,046-334 


... 


7,960-00 


Potchefstroom 


1.579-247 


17.147-373 




11,500-178 


Rustenburg 




153,901-219 


■ . . 


329,142-300 


Lydenburg 




15,173-167 


290, 882-1 1 


1,000-00 


135,902-147 


Middelburg 




• * . 


3 6 .377-558 




15,783-00 


Waterberg 






601,979-296 




r, 126, 141-00 


Zoutpansberg 






121,992-20 




663,560-00 


Heidelberg 




928-480 


9,599-104 | 


... 


1,680-00 


M. W. Stroorn 


. 




4,288-240 




4,000-00 


Utrecht . 






7,274-567 




38,300-00 


Marico . 






63,726-340 


100-00 


34,015-00 


Lichtenberg 






62,125-93 




6,380-00 


Bloemhof 






52,316-185 




10,350-00 


Standerton 






7.I92-45 




5,600-00 


Ermelo . 






9,101-238 






Piet Retief 






94,648-127 




1 


Vryheid . 






38,470-240 




2 9.325-co 


Carolina . 







67,221-433 


1 , 500-00 


6,000-00 


Kxugersdorp . 
Total . 


2,043-75 


2,437-586 


100-00 


... 


19.953-237 


1,662,730-014 j 


2,700-00 5 


'.425,639-025 


Recapitulation of Districts. 


Name of District. 


Number of Farms belonging 


to 












Inhabitants. 


Non- 
Residents. 


Limited 
Companies. 


Government. 
39* 


Pretoria .... 


536J 


1 


16 


Potchefstroom . 


3 2 7 


7h 


33 


45l 


Rustenburg 


501 


78 


180 


224 


Lydenburg. 


4i5 


26J 


3 2 4 


272^ 


Middelburg 


i 398i 
1 127 


9" 

Mapochs- 
gronden 


8 7 i 


23" 


Waterberg .... 


497i 


118 


934S 


808 


Zoutpansberg 


(82i| 

t 46 


6+h 
grondrecht- 
certificaten 


346 


652 


Heidelberg 


194 


8£ 


S 2 


*4$ 


M. W. Stroorn . 


328^ 


7 


2 


5* 


Lichtenburg 


270 




2li 


3 2 i 


Marico .... 


2I2| 


"si 


8 


58 


Bloemhof .... 


256f 


13} 


14 


•J 

43 


Piet-Retief. 


I70 


12 


18 


22 


Utrecht .... 


225 


3 




28 


Ermelo .... 


213 




46 


2 


Standerton 


192 


2 h 


4i 


7 


Vryheid .... 


545* 


io£ 


6 


38 


Carolina .... 


I95S 


4 


l 7i 


25* 


Krugersdorp 


92 




8 ! 


Wolmaransstad . 


163 


5 


1 


5 


Bethal .... 


124 


*i 


T 


ii 


fot 


al 


• 


6851! 


375Vs 


2124 


2 35SJ 



Chap, i i] 



APPENDIX J 



STATISTICS COMPILED BY H. W. SCHNEIDER, Esq., 

OF PRETORIA 

The local markets of South Africa imported the undermentioned 
products according to official statements in the years 1896 and 
1897, as follows: — 





Transvaal. 








1896. 






! 






Import 


Market 


- 






Value. 


Value. 1 






lbs. 


£ 


£ 


Sugar ..... 
Tobacco ..... 




20,396,720 


161,301 


322,602 




781,290 


42,759 


85,518 


Snuff ..... 




6,540 


1,633 


3,266 


Cigars* ..... 
Cigarettes* .... 
Tea 




8,411,150 


72,39! 


144,782 




2,546,780 
1,341,670 


3.965 
56,893 


7,93° 
113,786 


Coffee ..... 




3,645,070 


122,135 


244,270 


Fruits ..... 




21,141,950 


119,697 


239.394 


Wood prepared (no furniture) . 






328,947 


657,894 


Wood (raw) .... 






271,868 


343-736 


Furniture, &c 






356.787 


713.574 


Flour, mealies, and Kaffir corn, i 


ic. 




1,084,115 


2,168,230 


Vegetables (conserved) 




... 


30,619 


61,238 


Vegetables (fresh) . 
Total 


• 




S-37 1 


10,742 




2,658,481 


5,316,962 




* Numl 


jer of. 







1 [Mr. Schneider's estimate of the market value is taken at 100 per cent, 
above the import value. For many of the articles this is too high.— W. B.] 



394 



APPENDIX J 



395 



1897. 







Import 


| 
Market 






Value. 


Value. 




lbs. 


£ 


£ 


Sugar 


26,308,390 


199.483 


398,966 


Tobacco 


758,000 


44. J 54 


88,308 


' Snuff 


6,720 


1,914 


3,828 


Cigars " 


7.293.93° 


60,917 


i2t,834 


Cigarettes * 


2,684,270 


4.320 


8,640 


Tea 


997,000 


49.132 


98,264 


Coffee 


3,919,050 


99,428 


198,856 


Fruits 


27,365,020 


126,066 


252,132 


Wood prepared (no furniture) . 


> • > 


258,741 


517,482 


Wood (raw) ...... 


. . . 


178,145 


356,290 


Furniture, &c. ...... 




3*7.636 


635,272 


Flour, mealies, and Kaffir corn, &c. 




741,460 


1,482,920 


Vegetables (conserved) .... 




38,814 


65,623 


Vegetables (dried) 

Total . . . . 


... 


6,170 


12,340 




2,120,380 


4,240,760 



Number of. 



Orange Free State. 
1896. 







Import 


Market 






Value. 


Value. 




lbs. 


£ 


£ 


Sugar ....... 


5,704,648 


38,265 


76,530 


Confectionery ...... 


188,632 


4.975 


9.950 


Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes 


20,573 


5.627 


n.254 


Tea ........ 


147,020 


4,062 


8,124 


Coffee ....... 


2,010,889 


57- OI 4 


114,028 


Wood (raw) ...... 




12,846 


25,692 


Wood (prepared, &c. ) 




II -3 I 4 


22,628 


Flour, &c. 


■ ■ . 


3.685 


7.370 


Corn, &c. 




7.544 


15.088 


Vegetables (conserved) and fruits of all I 
kinds f 

Total .... 










523 


1,046 




145.855 


291,710 



39 6 



APPENDICES 



1897. 



Sugar 

Confectionery . 

Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes 

Tea . 

Coffee 

Fruits 

Wood (raw) 

Wood (prepared, &c.) 

Corn, &c. 

Flour, &c. 

Vegetables (conserved) 

Total 



lbs. 
7,016,115 
251.125 

24,051 
161,712 

2,322,545 
78,008 



Import 
Value. 



158,066 



Market 
Value. 



£ 


£ 


44,902 


89,804 


6,157 


12,314 


6,444 


12,314 


6,030 


12,060 


41,831 


83,662 


1,822 


3.644 


17,212 


34.424 


12,664 


25,328 


16,007 


32,014 


4.429 


8,858 


568 


i,i3 6 



316,132 



Natal. 
1896. 



Sugar (refined) . 
Sugar (not refined) . 
Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes 
Tea ..... 
Coffee .... 
Fruits .... 
Wood (raw) 
Wood (prepared, &c. ) 
Wood (diverse, no furniture) 
Corn, flour, &c. 
Vegetables and potatoes . 

Total 



lbs. 

346,452 

390.512 

208,460 

1,148,460 

2,422,180 

1,165,831 



Import 
Value. 



£ 

2,546 

2,439 
36,830 

21,004 

88,073 

12,527 

221,164 

91,077 

55,866 

527,204 

7,045 

1,065,775 



Market 
Value. 



£ 

5>°92 

4,878 

73,660 

42,008 

176,146 

25.054 

442,328 

182,154 

111,732 

1,054,408 

14,090 



2,i3 I ,S5o 



APPENDIX J 



397 



1897. 







Import 


Market 






Value. 


Value. 




lbs. 


£ 


£ 


Sugar (refined) .... 


497.483 


3,318 


6,636 


Sugar (not refined) . 








4,670,848 


25.913 


51,826 


Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, 










52,088 


104,176 


Coffee .... 








3,264,328 


56,419 


112,838 


I ea ..... 








386,351 


13,288 


26,576 


Pruits . . 








952,094 


14,700 


29,400 


Wood (raw) 










173,015 


346,030 


Wood (prepared, &c.) 








■ . • 


78,041 


156,082 


Corn, flour, &c. 










338,277 


676,554 


Vegetables and potatoes . 










5, x 7o 


10,340 


Wood (diverse, no furniture) . 






... 


58,418 


116,836 


Total 








• 


818,647 


1,637,294 



Cape Colony 



1896. 







Import 


Market 








Value. 


Value. 




lbs. 


£ 


£ 


Sugar (not refined) ... 


54.987,678 


341,985 


683,970 


Sugar (refined) . 








7,258,772 


48,839 


97,678 


Tobacco (not manufactured l 








243.935 


10,083 


20,166 


Tobacco (manufactured! . 








263,746 


102,907 


205,814 


Tobacco (all other kinds) . 








511,218 


87,447 


174,894 


Tea ..... 








2,246,291 


73,648 


147,296 


Coffee .... 








14,329,186 


400,854 


801,708 


Wood (raw) 










217,108 


434,216 


Wood (prepared) 










119,763 


239,526 


Wood (diverse, no furniture) 










101,648 


203,296 


Corn, mealies, flour, &c. . 










553,526 


1,107,052 


Furniture, &c. . 










343,074 


686,148 


Total .... 


... 


2,400,882 


4,801,764 

















398 



APPENDICES 



1897. 







Import 


Market 






Value. 


Value. 




lbs. 


£ 


£ 


Sugar (not refined) ..... 


59,856,162 


345,620 


691,240 


Sugar (refined) . 








9,768,133 


57,242 


114.484 


Tobacco (not manufactured) 








332,008 


10,843 


21,686 


Tobacco (manufactured) . 








279,794 


94,305 


188, bio 


Tobacco (all other kinds) 








668,958 


110,175 


220,350 


Tea 








2,489,583 


83,088 


166,176 


Coffee .... 








i 6 .599,7i5 


3 IO > 2 53 


620,506 


Wood (raw) 










195.564 


391,128 


Wood (prepared) 








. . . 


141,329 


282,658 


Wood (diverse, no furniture) 










110,293 


220,586 


Furniture, &c. . 










354,i4o 


708,280 


Corn, mealies, flour, &c. . 










679,103 


1,358,206 


Total 








... 


2,49 I -955 


4,983,910 



Sugar, tobacco, tea, and coffee are produced in small quantities 
in Natal, but not sufficient for local demand. The Cape Colony 
and Orange Free State are not suitable for growing these products, 
so that practically the whole of South Africa is available as a market 
for these products from the Transvaal. 






Chap, 12] 

APPENDIX K 

NATAL IMMIGRATION 

By W. P. Fraser, Esq. 

Keynote. — "I feel that our interests in South Africa are not 
safe unless and until some 25,000 additional Anglo-Saxon and 
British-Colonial settlers are placed upon and identified with the 
land, and I perceive that many anxious questions will then settle 
themselves." 

Proposal. — It is proposed that application be made to the 
Department of Agriculture for countenance and assistance in this 
work. That thereafter use be made of the Farmers' Associations, 
in the first instance, of the Upper and Midland Districts of Natal, 
and appeal be made through their organisations to the farmers, 
and they be recommended to apply for and receive into their 
homes for training, during the first experimental years of the period 
proposed, of at least one hundred youths and one hundred young 
women, selected under the auspices of the Women's Patriotic 
League, from the Muller Orphanage, from the Barnardo Home, or 
from kindred institutions of Great Britain. 

Re?nark. — It is remarked that the Arnold Foster Commission 
will soon be at work upon this theme, and it is suggested that 
reference be made to that Commission. 

Retort. — But it is pointed out that the Colony of Natal can 
help herself in the following manner to her own great advantage 
at a small initial outlay, nearly all of which will flow back again 
into the Treasury. 

National Policy. 

Argument. — It is time that the Colony of Natal realised that 

some national steps be taken to make her position assured, and by 

making her more powerful within herself, place her borders free 

from incursions. What better course presents itself than by 

increasing the producing and tax-bearing population of the country 

districts? This must be of the British race. Youth is the time 

that is the most impressionable, and the youth of both sexes is 

more easily absorbed and incorporated in and identified with the 

399 



400 APPENDICES 

interests of the colony than a like number of older persons, whether 
soldiers, reservists, or civilians, emigrants whose habits of life may 
have been formed under other circumstances, and who may not 
find it easy to adapt themselves to a set of conditions foreign to 
them. 

Economics. 

Experience. — The continual drain of agricultural districts and 
the flow of its manhood into larger cities and industrial centres, has 
been a marked tendency of the latter half of the past century. 
This was exemplified in the congested state of the larger cities of 
Australia. 

It is noteworthy that, concurrent with an increased attention to 
her natural resources, and the better marketing of her agricultural 
products, and a reflux of population from the overpopulated centres 
to the farming districts, came a return of prosperity. 

The colonists of Natal are now consuming imported butter, 
cheese, dried and canned fruits, forage, oats, potatoes, and a score 
of other articles of farming and domestic produce, a considerable 
proportion of which can and ought to be produced in this country. 

Social and Domestic. 

Aspect of. — Following on the re-opening of the mines at the 
Rand, and an expected demand for mine labour in other districts, 
our households are sure to feel this drain upon domestic labour 
in very many ways. 

Surely it is possible to replace the use of Kaffir boys for domestic 
service, to a certain extent, by giving the proposed system a fair 
trial. 

Very many objections familiar to all householders are raised — 

Remark. — " Dwellings in the country are not constructed suitably 
for the introduction of domestic white labour." 

" Our social system will hardly admit of the employment of 
a young white servant in the house without placing her on terms 
of too great intimacy with our families." 

"Our domestic labour system is based upon native labour for 
the stock and cattle, upon native and coolie labour for the plantation 
and garden, upon the use of Natal Zulu boys for domestic service 
in the kitchen and house. I could not introduce another domestic 
element, and possibly a discordant one, into my house." 

Retort. — It is pointed out that difficulties in life are no new 
theme for discussion ; they exist everywhere, and come under 
notice to be overcome. It is not contemplated to invite farmers 
to apply at random for domestic help, nor to attempt to fill the 
want by indiscriminate investigation, nor to supply domestic " help " 
without careful investigation as to the character of applicant's 
requirements and the nature of the immigrant " help's " capacities, 



APPENDIX K 401 

nor, indeed, except under a three years' contract with certain 
guarantees and obligations. 

Objections Disappear. — It remains for the ladies of this colony, 
through, perhaps, the auspices of the Women's Patriotic League, 
to find a way through the objections raised. Probably the answer 
will be found in the fact that the number of applications for young 
girls to be trained as under nurses, or for dairy work, or for domestic 
work, will very largely exceed the possible supply. 

Religions. — No new organisation is contemplated, no fresh 
departure asked for, the existing institutions already cover the pro- 
posed field. 

Church Duty. — It is thought that the various Protestant 
Churches, if they will divide the work amongst them so as not 
to overlap, can use their existing forces and follow the career of 
each immigrant farm "hand" or domestic "help" until the three 
years' contract shall have expired, and until he or she shall have 
become strong enough to stand alone. 

This was done in Canada under a system of correspondence. 

A register was kept of the immigrants, and his or her career 
was marked, in very many cases with gratifying results. 

This is pre-eminently a Christian work, and one which the 
Protestant Churches may be asked to take up, seeing they have 
the organisation ready to hand. 

Financial. — The result of an inquiry at the Institution mentioned 
as to the conditions upon which the domestic servants and the 
farm helps will be allowed to emigrate will be forthcoming from 
the Institutions, and can be based upon the experience gained 
during the past twenty years of similar work in Canada. The cost 
per head of bringing them from their present homes and placing 
them at their destination, it is hoped, may not exceed ^15, and 
it may be made up thus : — Steamer fare by direct line, London or 
Southampton to Durban, if in parties of not less than fifty or one 
hundred, each say £\o\ outfit in necessary articles of clothing 
for the first season, £<\ or £$ ; railway fares in Natal, with food, 
£1 ; local administration and housing may cost £2 per head extra. 

Subject to inquiry, it appears that the total initial cost of intro- 
ducing fifty young women for domestic servants, and fifty youths 
for farm helps, during the first season might be £1700, which, with 
a similar enterprise for the second season of the first year, would 
mean a total initial expenditure of £34°°- Towards this, and as 
an earnest of bona fides, the applicant should pay a deposit of £5 
per head, which should be recoverable from the immigrant in 
monthly deductions from wages during the last ten months of the 
first year's service of 10s. 

The remaining £\2 should be repaid in like manner in 10s. 
monthly payments during the second and third year's service, and 
should be guaranteed by the applicant. It could remain for con- 
sideration whether Government, through an Immigration Bureau, 

2 c 



402 



APPENDICES 



might not agree to refund to each immigrant, who should have 
fulfilled his or her term of service to the approval of the Bureau, 
the sum of £$ by way of commendation or bonus. 

Disappointment and failure are met with in every path of life, 
and it is fair to assume that this undertaking will not escape them. 
But allowing 10 per cent, for comparative disappointment and 10 
per cent, for failure, it is pointed out that the average wages of a 
domestic help who should have fulfilled her three years' term of 
service, whether as domestic servant or dairymaid or nurse, may be 
placed at 50s. to 60s. per month. The earnings of the immigrant 
youth after the same term may be placed at a minimum of ^5, and 
experience may show it much higher, for some may acquire trades. 
The capital value of the former being now a producing and tax- 
bearing unit, may be regarded as a State asset, and put at ,£100 — 
that of the latter say ^300. 

The Colony of Natal will have added to its national wealth to 
that extent at a cost of ^5 per capitum. 



Administration. 

The proposals as outlined here should be laid before his Excel- 
lency the Governor of Natal, and an expression of his sympathy 
and approval having been obtained : — 

Inquiry should be made of the direct line of steamers to Durban 
as to the facilities and accommodation afforded for immigrants of 
this class in parties of not less than 50 or 100. 

Inquiry should also be made of the cost of housing and railway 
transmissions to probable destination, estimated as north of Maritz- 
burg. 

The sanction of his Excellency having been obtained, the assist- 
ance of the Honourable the Agent-General for the Colony in London 
should be sought, and all the desired particulars obtained from the 
Muller Orphanage at Bristol, from the Barnardo Home at Stepney 
Causeway, and from kindred institutions (notably in Scotland). 
These particulars should be more ample than appear in the usual 
Annual Reports of the Institutions, and should cover the results and 
experiences of emigration to Canada. 

Applicant Farmer. — It is thought that some general form of 
contract will have to be prepared and signed by the applicant farmer 
seeking immigrant help, at the same time making a money deposit 
as earnest of bona fides. In outline, the applicant expresses himself 
willing to receive such person with intent to train him or her in the 
avocation mentioned upon the lines of the objects of the institution, 
and for the other ends and purposes mentioned, and accepting and 
becoming liable to the Immigration Bureau for the obligations to be 
mentioned. 

Three Years. — The contract should be for three years, a less term 
being too brief for very many considerations, while an attempt to 



APPENDIX K 403 

enforce the continuance of a longer contract against the will of an 
immigrant would prove mischievous. 

Wages. — Wages for female immigrant, whether for domestic 
help, dairymaid, or nurse, might be placed at perhaps 30s. a month 
for the first, at 40s. per month for the second, and at 50s. per month 
for the third year, with housing and board. 

Immigrant Signs. — The immigrant should also enter upon the 
engagement required of him or her by signing a contract in favour 
of the Immigration Bureau, agreeing to enter the service of its 
nominee, the applicant, for a term of three years upon the conditions 
and at the rate of wage mentioned, and agreeing to sign a more 
explicit contract upon arrival at destination. 

It is not to be supposed that the institutions named whose 
organisations have been devoted to adopting and training of penni- 
less orphans, and in rescue work of a general character, will consent 
to hand over these young persons even to an Immigration Bureau 
without stipulations and without taking every precaution that the 
rescue work just begun will be continued in the form of home and 
domestic training or other avocation, until the immigrant passes out 
into the world. 

Here commences the work of the Church, and if the Protestant 
Churches of Natal will engage to keep in touch with the young 
persons during their term of contract, and exercise the desired 
supervision, then the final success of this scheme will be assured. 

The framer of these suggestions offers them as an attempt to 
meet the many objections that are made to any system or scheme 
of immigration, and presents them in the belief that the difficulties 
w T hich so continually appear are rather imaginary and sentimental 
than real. He believes they will disappear, and thinks the scheme 
proposed to be the one that will, in the speediest and most effective 
and least costly manner, attach the youthful immigrant to the land 
in Natal. 

Durban, Oct. 20, 1900. 



Chap. 12] 



APPENDIX L 



Employees in Mines on the Rand. 1 





Number. 


Total Wages. 


Wages per Month. 






£ 


■ 

£ s - d - 


Managers ..... 


154 


14,840 


96 7 3 


Mine foremen , 






144 


6,o 3 8 


41 18 7 


Battery managers 






9i 


3-805 


41 16 3 


Other foremen . 






284 


7,199 


25 7 


Machinists 






116 


5- OI 4 


43 4 6 


Surveyors .... 






98 


3.°4i 


31 7 


Draughtsmen 






29 


815 


28 2 7 


Electricians 






164 


4,345 


26 9 11 


Secretaries . 






x 3i 


4-741 


36 3 IO 


Mine and store clerks 






261 


5-79° 


22 3 8 


Mine overseers . 






202 


6,364 


31 10 1 


Miners and trammers 






2283 


51,806 


22 13 10 


Bore men . 






1914 


58,309 


3° 9 3 


Pitmen 






338 


6,508 


19 5 1 


Machine drivers 






954 


25,236 


26 9 1 


Oilers 






40 


719 


17 19 6 


Pump men 






129 


3-285 


25 9 4 


Stokers 






157 


3,217 


20 9 10 


Carpenters 






944 


24,415 


25 17 3 


Smiths 






782 


21,025 


26 17 9 


Fitters and helpers 






1047 


27,400 


26 3 5 


Painters 






59 


1,274 


21 11 10 


Masons 






198 


5-172 


26 2 5 


Day labourers . 






192 


3-246 


16 18 1 


Assayers . 






108 


3-°73 


28 9 1 


Amalgamators . 






468 


it,io8 


23 14 8 


Cyaniders . 






379 


9,227 


24 6 11 


Concentrators . 






J 9 


394 


20 14 9 


Vanners 






48 


990 


20 12 6 


Smelters 






6 


166 


27 13 4 


Different labourers 






674 
12,413 


14,058 


20 17 2 








332,620 





State Mining Engineer's Report. 



404 



Chap. 13] 

APPENDIX M. 

EXTRACTS FROM A 

PAMPHLET ISSUED BY THE REFUGEE 
COMMITTEE OF THE UITLANDERS 

Cape Town, i^th October 1900. 

THE UITLANDER REFUGEE AND THE TRANSVAAL 

CAPITALIST. 

The Uitlander Refugee Committee having invited Dr. M. J. 
Farrelly (the Counsel instructed by Messrs. Faure and Zietsman to 
advise on the validity of the Proclamation of 20th August 1900, 
issued in the name of the Administrator of the Transvaal, and 
against which the recent mass meeting protested) to write a memo- 
randum on the legislative steps which ought to be taken in justice to 
the expelled Uitlander Refugees, and in furtherance of the welfare 
of the Empire, involved in the maintenance of a large and prosperous 
British population in South Africa, they think that this document 
should not be withheld from the public and issue it herewith. (See 
Appendix N.) 

• ••••••• 

The Committee think it desirable in the public interest to state 
plainly why the alarm and unrest among the Uitlander Refugees 
has been so great. 

With the knowledge possessed by all Uitlander residents of the 
Transvaal of the past history, methods, and definite policy of the 
great financial houses, they are becoming alarmed at the rapid in- 
crease of the wealth, influence, and unrelenting enterprise of the latter. 

Their "freezing-out" tactics and their formidable secrecy in 
operation are thoroughly well known to Johannesburg residents, of 
whom a large number hail from the Kimberley of the early days. 

The alarm became consternation when it became known that 
the representatives of the great mining interests, who for years 
"persuaded" the Pretoria Government and officials, are now 
surrounding the new Administration of the Transvaal. 

The great wealth of the capitalists of the Rand has given them 

405 






406 APPENDICES 

the control of nearly every one of the leading organs of the press of 
South Africa. Former agitation among the Uitlanders, as long as 
the great capitalists were intent on exploiting their grievances, was 
carefully cabled to England, and the South African press daily 
devoted their leading articles towards voicing the public outcry. 
How many cables have been sent of the recent mass meeting in the 
Drill Hall ? We believe none — while the capitalistic press has been 
significantly silent on this vital question, abstaining from even the 
barest comment on the subject of the new agitation. 

The legal profession has been similarly captured. The leaders 
of the Bar in the Transvaal, with hardly an exception, hold annual 
retainers from the great houses ; therefore if any of the rank and file 
of the Uitlanders sue or are sued by the latter, he is prevented from 
availing himself of the best legal talent. 



MEMORANDUM 

On the Development of the Mines in the Transvaal and the Economic 
Measures bearing on the Increase of British Immigration, the 
retention of the present British Population, and the strengthening 
of the Imperial hold on South Africa. 

I. The Necessity of encouraging Immigration — the Means. 

To render perfectly secure the Imperial hold on South Africa, 
every encouragement should be given to increased British immigra- 
tion in the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony. This line of 
policy has been admitted by all parties in the Empire and by the 
Imperial Government — which has appointed a Commission to in- 
quire into the matter — as plainly a necessity of the hour. 

Immigration on a large scale can obviously be only immigration 
of agriculturists. Enormous cattle-runs, ranging from 3000 to 8000 
acres each for a single family, can only afford room for a very sparse 
population. 

Agriculture over wide areas in South Africa, precisely as in India, 
depends on the execution of very extensive schemes of irrigation. 
The land over wide areas, in the Transvaal especially, is very fertile. 
The waterfall is amply sufficient to admit of the whole of these areas 
being cultivated. Enough water is wasted every year, resulting from 
the melting snows of the Basutoland Mountains rushing down to 
the sea in the Orange River, to irrigate the whole of the Orange 
River Colony. The same may be said with reference to the Trans- 
vaal and the perennial water-supplies of the tributary streams of the 
Limpopo and the Vaal River. 

State-aided immigration and State-constructed irrigation works 
are therefore as much political as economical necessities in the new 
colonies. 



APPENDIX M 407 

The funds for these two lines of State action can only come, to 
any appreciable degree, from the immense mineral wealth of the 
territories. It is not to be supposed that taxation in the United 
Kingdom is to be resorted to when such a manifestly just appropria 
tion of the wealth of the State is at hand. 

Therefore a perfectly free hand for the representatives in South 
Africa of the Imperial Government in its taxation of the exploitation 
of minerals is clearly a matter of Imperial concern. 

Again, agriculture in South Africa, to support a thriving popula- 
tion, must have markets at the very door. It is absurd to suppose 
that, situated at such a distance from the United Kingdom and 
Europe, South African produce-growers could compete with such 
grain and other agricultural produce as can be supplied so much 
nearer from the United States and Russia. 

Therefore every measure which tends to aid the increase of a 
large urban, industrial, and mining population of consumers makes 
directly for the Imperial welfare. 

Any measure of policy which tends — 

1. To limit the freedom of the regulation of taxes by the Imperial 

representatives on the minerals ; or 

2. To discourage the exploitation of new gold-fields or other 

mineral fields ; or 

3. To discourage the growth of a large industrial and mining 

population, 
is directly contrary to the interests of the Empire as a whole, to the 
encouragement of the outlet of emigration— and its economic relief 
to the overcrowding of the United Kingdom— and to the political 
necessity of safeguarding the Imperial hold in South Africa, which 
would be insured by the presence of a large and loyal British 
population. 

II. The Necessity of Preventing the Exclusion by Economic 
Pressure of the already existing British Population. 

All the considerations which apply to measures for promoting 
the growth of British immigration are equally applicable to the 
retention of the present British population of these territories— now 
the Uitlander refugees. 

Any measure calculated to have the effect of diminishing their 
prospects of economic prosperity, or of excluding them from the 
goldfields by economic pressure, is obviously opposed to the welfare 
of the Empire as a whole. 

III. The Opposition of Imperial Interests to those of the 
present Monopoly of the Mines in the Transvaal. 

In every one of these cardinal features of obvious Imperial 
policy already enumerated the interests of what is practically the 
present monopoly of the mines in the Transvaal are opposed. 



4 o8 APPENDICES 

i. Taxation. — The obvious interest of the present great groups 
which hold a practical monopoly of the Transvaal mines is to check 
the imposition of any taxes — for immigration, for irrigation works, 
for any public works except for facilities for the transport of gold- 
mining machinery and supplies — and to retain as much as possible 
of the gold for themselves. 

2. Exploitation of New Mines. — Until the present governing 
groups shall have successfully floated off all the deep level and other 
properties in their possession, or over which they hold options — a 
time which must necessarily be extended until all can be absorbed 
by the purchasing power of the investing public at home and else- 
where — it is their obvious interest to check the development of other 
mining centres. Such development would not merely interfere with 
the floating of their own vast properties, but it would interfere 
with their present practical monopoly of the profitable business of 
company promoting. 

3. Growth of a Large Trading, Industrial, and Mining Popula- 
tion. — This growth, which it should be a cardinal principle of 
Imperial policy to promote, is directly opposed to the interest of the 
groups of great houses who monopolise the mines of the Witwaters- 
rand. 

• ••#•••• 

It is not necessary to postulate the existence of a double dose of 
original sin in directors and servants of the great capitalist houses to 
deduce that they will tend to act in the direction pointed out by 
their manifest interest. The rich man — otherwise the great finan- 
cier — is, as has happily been pointed out, simply a poor man who 
happens to be rich ; while the growth of idealism is not fostered by 
successful financial or other business methods. But it is to be care- 
fully borne in mind that while generosity may be the privilege of a 
decemvir, zeal is expected from those who wait on Appius Claudius. 

IV, The Alarm of the Uitlander Refugees. 

1. The Mass Meeting of Protest. 

Widespread alarm among the Uitlander Refugees has been 
created by recent legislation and appointments to official posts by 
the present Military Government of the Transvaal. 

On the 22nd September a mass meeting of Uitlander Refugees 
was held at the Drill Hall in Cape Town, and was addressed by the 
Mayor (Mr. T. J. O'Reilly) and several Imperialist Members of 
Parliament, including the Hon. A. Wilmot, Member of the 
Legislative Council ; Major-General Brabant, Colonel Scherm- 
brucker, Major Crewe and Mr. Zietsman, Members of the Legisla- 
tive Assembly. 

The following resolutions were passed : — 

"This meeting views with alarm the proclamation as issued by 



APPENDIX M 409 

Field-Marshal Lord Roberts on August 20th concerning the col- 
lection of taxes, licences, and other assessments, which, to our 
surprise, are alleged to be due to the late Transvaal Government 
during our enforced absence from the country, and respectfully 
claims that in accordance with equity and justice the fact that 
such dues are ' null and void ' should be officially recognised." 
The reading of the resolution was received with loud applause. 

"This meeting claims the attention of Her Majesty's Govern- 
ment to the fact that many of the appointments under the new 
administration in the Transvaal are held by former representatives 
of interested corporations, and therefore lack public confidence." 
The following is an extract from the report of the meeting : — 
"The Hon. Mr. Wilmot, Member of the Legislative Council, 
addressing the meeting, said there was one thing he must speak 
about, which he considered almost as dangerous as Paul Kruger 
had been, and that was the monopolising grasp of millionaires 
and speculators. He would tell them that at the present time 
their interests were suffering — not that the military were corrupt, 
not that the military were in any way doing anything contrary to 
their conscience, but they were men who did not understand civil 
administration. He hoped it was not true, but he thought it was 
very true, that their interests were suffering in Johannesburg through 
the influence of very rich men there, and that was a great danger." 



V. Principles of Legislation and Administration in the 

New Territories. 

From what I have already shown as to the divergence of the 
welfare of the Empire and the prosperity of South Africa as a whole 
from the line of action dictated by the plainest self-interest to the 
mining magnates, it will be easy to deduce in outline the principles 
which should guide the new Government of the Transvaal in legisla- 
tion and administration. 

In all appointments to public office, special care should be taken 
in view of the welfare of the people, and of their prejudices and 
well-founded alarm as well, to avoid the least suspicion of undue 
capitalistic influence. No director or other official of the great 
houses should be appointed to any administrative post in the Trans- 
vaal, and no one who has formerly held such a position. The 
enormous wealth of the great capitalists will continue to give them 
enough and to spare of influence on public action. 

In legislation, similar principles should be kept clearly in mind. 
The present absurd law of the Transvaal requiring claim licences to 
be paid whether the claims are worked or not, should be promptly 
repealed. 



4io 



APPENDICES 



With regard to taxation under the Gold Law on mines already in 
existence, a quite different system, approximating to the Klondyke 
or Rhodesian Law, should be introduced. The whole system of 
claim licences should be superseded by a tax on the gross output of 
the mines in gold ; this tax increasing on a sliding scale according 
to the magnitude of the output. 

With regard to mines as yet undeveloped, the Klondyke or 
Rhodesian Law should be applied in full. The mineral wealth of 
the country should be treated as a fund primarily for public purposes, 
and not for the creation of millionaires. 

The taxation on all mines, developed and to be developed, 
should be utilised for such purposes as the building of bridges, the 
making of roads and railways, the carrying out of irrigation works 
on a large scale, the creation of an Immigration Department and a 
Forestry Department ; as well as for expenditure on education, the 
administration of justice, and maintenance of police. Out of these 
funds too should come the expenditure necessary to meet a share of 
the cost of the War, and to defray the compensation to be awarded 
to the expelled Uitlanders for direct loss. 

As a corollary and completion of this fiscal policy, and for the 
other objects of Imperial concern already enumerated — compensa- 
tion to the returned Uitlanders and encouragement of immigration 
— all taxation on necessaries of life should be abolished. 



VI. Immediate Legislation. 

The immediate legislation required to facilitate the return of the 
Uitlanders and the speedy resumption of civil business may be 
briefly stated as follows : — 

i. Legislation should immediately be introduced, by proclama- 
tion of the Administrator of the Transvaal, providing that no licence 
moneys or other dues to the State are to be exacted of the expelled 
Uitlander Refugees for the period during which the War lasted and 
they were deprived of beneficial occupation. 

2. The law of the late Transvaal Executive providing for the 
abolition of house rent and mortgage interest where there has been 
no beneficial occupation during the War, and for the reduction to 
one-half of house rent where there has been occupation, should be 
confirmed ; and the same principle extended to ground rents. 

3. Provision should similarly be made providing that, in the case 
of all contracts determinable by time, the period of the War should 
be treated as a dies non ; and that the period of these contracts 
should be determinable accordingly. 

4. The enforcement by legal process of all contracts executable 
in the Transvaal should be declared suspended, until a date for the 
resumption of civil business, to be fixed by further notice. 

On the legal aspect of these measures it is unnecessary to dwell. 



APPENDIX M 411 

Let it be sufficient to say that as regards the first measure, it is 
simply an application of a universal principle of law all over the 
civilised world that no one, who by his own act has prevented 
another person who has contracted with him from reaping the 
benefit of a contract, can demand payment under that contract. As 
to the second measure, it may be pointed out that the enactment in 
question was fully within the competence of the late Transvaal 
Government, and besides is in harmony with the general principle 
of Roman Dutch Law — the common law of South Africa — touching 
force majeure. As regards the third measure, it is in harmony with 
a universal principle of private international law. (It has been 
adopted, as applicable to their time bargains, by the Committee of 
the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, acting on my advice.) As re- 
gards the fourth, it is simply an enforcement of express provisions 
of the ordinary law of the land in the Transvaal : in view of which 
law, be it remembered, all contracts with the Uitlander Refugees 
have been entered into. 

On the question of the justice and expediency of these measures 
very much more may be said. It is only common justice and fair 
play to the expelled and maltreated Uitlander Refugees to endeavour, 
as far as the Imperial Government can effect, to replace them in 
something like the position they were in before they were lawlessly 
expelled from the Transvaal, and to give them something like an 
opportunity of making a fair start and beginning with a clean slate, 
instead of being involved in a whirlpool of litigation over public and 
private contracts, which would only end in the widespread bank- 
ruptcy of masses of the people, and the buying of their sold-up 
property by the great owners. 

Of the manner in which the welfare of the Empire as a whole 
will be affected, and how the retention of the Imperial hold on 
South Africa will be strengthened by measures calculated to retain 
in conditions of prosperity the present existing British population, 
and to encourage an increase of British immigration, and of how 
incompatible with this policy is the obvious interest of the great 
mining groups of the Transvaal, I have written already, so on this I 
need not further dwell. 

M. J. Farrelly, LL.D., 
Barrisler-at-Law. 

Cape Town, \oth October 1900. 



Chap. 13.] 

APPENDIX N 

THE INVALIDITY OF THE PROCLAMATION 

ISSUED IN THE NAME OF 

THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TRANSVAAL 

On the 20th August 1900. 



Johannesburg Gazette (No. 13 of 1900) 



V.R. Proclamation 

Whereas it has seemed to me expedient that certain taxes, 
revenues, licences, royalties and moneys due to the Government of 
the South African Republic, according to the laws thereof, shall 
be paid to Her Majesty's Forces now in occupation of certain 
portions of the said Republic : 

And whereas it is expedient that all such taxes, revenues, dues, 
licences, royalties and moneys as are payable upon mynpachts, 
claims, stands, water-rights, machine stands and bewaarplaatsen, 
and upon rights similar to the said claims and stands in such 
portions of the said Republic as are or may be in the occupation 
of Her Majesty's Forces, shall be paid to the Officers authorised 
to collect or receive the same on behalf of Her Majesty's Forces : 

Now therefore, I, Frederick Sleigh, Baron Roberts of Kandahar 
and Waterford, K.P., G.C.B., G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field 
Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief Her Majesty's Troops in South 
Africa, hereby declare, proclaim, and make known that all persons 
resident in the said Republic and the legal representatives of 
absentees who are the owners of mynpachts, claims, stands, water- 
rights, machine stands, and bewaarplaatsen, and of rights similar 
to the said claims and stands in such portions of the said Republic 
as are or may be in the occupation of Her Majesty's Forces, shall 
pay to the Officers duly authorised to collect or receive the same, 
such taxes, revenues, dues, licences, royalties and moneys as were 
and are due by them to the Government of the Republic. 

God Save the Queen ! 

Given under my hand and seal at Pretoria this 20th day of 

August 1900. 

Roberts, Field Marshal, 

Commanding-in-Chief in South Africa. 

412 



APPENDIX N 413 



Government Notice No. 73, 1900. 

It is hereby notified for general information that all taxes, 
revenues, dues, licences, royalties and moneys mentioned in the 
Proclamation of Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Commanding-in-Chief, 
dated 20th August 1900, and heretofore payable at the offices of 
the Mining Commissioners at Johannesburg, Boksburg, Florida, 
Krugersdorp, Kocksoord and Heidelberg, will for the present be 
received by the Receiver of Revenue, Major A. G. Pawle, C.I.V., 
at the Revenue Department Offices, Johannesburg. 

When tendering the above licences and taxes, forms must be 
filled in, which can be obtained upon application at the above- 
mentioned offices. 

No transfer of rights or registration of new rights will be per- 
mitted until further notice. 

It is not the intention of the Field Marshal Commanding-in- 
Chief to exact at present the penalties prescribed by the Gold Law 
for non-payment of licences, provided that persons liable to such 
penalties, or their representatives, use due diligence after publication 
of this Notice in making payment of all arrears. 

G. V. Fiddes, Political Secretary. 

Pretoria, 20th August 1900. 

The solicitors for the Refugees Committee, the Hon. Sir Pieter 
Faure, Minister for Agriculture of the present Cabinet, and Mr. 
Zietsman, Member of the Legislative Assembly, submitted to 
Counsel the question of the validity of the recent proclamation of 
Lord Roberts. The following is their statement of case : — 

''About sixty years ago a certain number of British subjects 
being dissatisfied with British rule in the Cape Colony, left British 
territory and crossed the Orange and Vaal Rivers, where they 
established Governments of their own. 

"The British Government at first disputed the right of these 
people to cast off their allegiance to the British Crown, but their 
independence was subsequently practically admitted. 

" During the seventies, complications arose between the Ter- 
ritory then known as the Transvaal Republic and certain native 
chiefs, and the finances of the country being at a very low ebb, 
a large number of the people in the Transvaal desired annexation 
to England, which was soon after accomplished by Sir T. Shepstone. 
A section of the people became discontented, resulting in the taking 
up of arms against the British Government, and eventually peace 
was concluded and treaties followed under which the Transvaal 
retained self-government whilst Great Britain retained the alleged 
right of a Suzerain Power. Latterly, disputes arose between the 
Transvaal and the British Government regarding the political rights 



4 i4 



APPENDICES 



of certain British subjects in" the Transvaal, resulting in the Orange 
Free State throwing in her lot with the Transvaal and a declaration 
of war or ultimatum being sent to Great Britain on the ioth October 
1899, war followed. 

" When hostilities broke out, a large number of British subjects 
and subjects of other States were engaged in the mining industry in 
the Transvaal, holding considerable mining and other properties. 

" The system under which the rights in these properties are 
vested in the holders, and with which Counsel is acquainted, is 
under and by virtue of licences issued by the State, and is to be 
renewed from month to month, the rights being contingent on the 
payment of such licences. 

" In consequence of the disturbed state of the country practically 
the whole of the aforesaid holders were compelled to leave the 
Transvaal, the majority being ordered to leave by the Government, 
and in most cases the licences remain unpaid from the dates of such 
leaving. 

" The British Forces have now entered and taken forcible 
occupation of the Transvaal, and remain the de facto Government of 
the country. 

" On the 31st of August 1900, the Officer in command of the 
British Forces in Africa issued a Proclamation (under the powers 
vested in him) annexing the Transvaal to the British Empire, 
whereas prior to this proclamation a proclamation was issued by the 
same Officer, copy of which is attached, ordering that all licences 
and taxes shall be paid to the Officer representing the Imperial 
Government, and presumably claiming payment of all licences from 
the date that the same were last paid to the Republican Govern- 
ment. Counsel will please advise : — 

" 1. Is the Proclamation dealing with the payment of taxes a 
legal document, and must it be obeyed ? 

" 2. At what stage of a war can the winning Power be said to 
have conquered sufficiently to legally annex the enemy's territory, 
and the recognised laws and usages of the nations ? 

" 3. Can the conquering State acquire and claim all the benefits 
which may have accrued between the subjects of the conquered 
State and their former Government prior to the date of conquering 
and annexation ? and what would be the position in this respect of 
a person who had acquired property and contracted obligations with 
the conquered State prior to annexation when at the same time he 
remained a subject of the conquering State ? 

" 4. The effect of war on private and public contracts generally, 
and the duration of a contract or obligation when the enjoyment 
thereof is suspended by war ? 

"5. Assuming that the principle of the Roman Dutch Law as 
interpreted by the Superior Courts of South Africa is correct, and 
that a contract for rent of immovable property cannot be enforced 
against a tenant (under certain conditions) for the period he has 



APPENDIX N 415 

been deprived of beneficial occupation or enjoyment of the thing 
leased by the enemies of the State in time of war, how will this 
principle affect the non-payment of the aforesaid licences, and how 
far can the old or the new Governments enforce the penalties pro- 
vided by law against the individual for the non-fulfilment of his part 
of the contract under the present circumstances? 

" 6. Can a State in any case claim rents arising from the lease of 
part of its soil, or the lease of the right to extract something from 
the soil, when by its own act of waging war it has deprived the 
lessee of the enjoyment of his rights? in other words, assuming no 
annexation had taken place, could the Transvaal Government under 
present circumstances have claimed payment of the arrear licence 
money? 

" 7. Following up this aspect of the question, can the British 
Government enforce all obligations against the mining community 
entered into before the war with the Transvaal Government, so long 
as the Officer in command of Her Majesty's Forces prevents the 
people from returning to the enjoyment of their rights ? 

" 8. Counsel will please advise generally also. 

" Presuming that there is no probability of a voluntary cession of 
the Transvaal, the altered features which would arise in such a case 
need not now be considered. 

"Dated at Cape Town this 9th day of September 1900. 

(Sgd.) Faure and Zietsman." 

Opinion. 

The following is the opinion of Dr. M. J. Farrelly, the Counsel 
to whom Messrs. Faure and Zietsman submitted the case for opinion 
as to the validity of the Proclamation :— 

In the Matter of Certain Rights affecting the Mining Community 

of the Transvaal. 

" 1. Is the Proclamation dealing with the payment of taxes a 
legal document, and must it be obeyed?" (Proclamation annexed.) 

From the terms of the preamble of this Proclamation — " shall 
be paid to Her Majesty's Forces now in occupation of the said 
Republic" — it would appear that the claim has been made prior to 
the annexation of the territory of the late Republic to Her Majesty's 
territories. I am of opinion, therefore, that the claim is invalid in 
law. In a leading case in the English Courts — United States of 
America v. Prioleau (25 L. J. Ch. N.S. 7) — it was laid down by the 
Court : — 

" The Courts of every country recognise a Government de facto 

to this extent, for the purpose of saying — 'You are established de 

facto, if you are allowed by those whom you affect to govern to levy 

taxes on them, and they pay those taxes and contribution is made 



4 i6 APPENDICES 

accordingly, or you are acquiring property, and are at war having 
the rights of belligerents, not being treated as mere rebels by persons 
who say they are the authorised Government of the country." 

"2. At what stage of a war can the winning Power be said to have 
conquered sufficiently to legally annex the enemy's territory, under 
the recognised laws and usages of nations ? " 

I think I cannot give a better exposition of the law in this 
respect than by quoting from Professor Westlake's opinion as recently 
published : — 

" A State may cede a part of its territory, but when the whole 
State disappears there can be no legal cession, because no constitu- 
tion provides for such a case. Neither the Legislature, the Execu- 
tive, nor any General, has a commission to put an end to the State's 
existence. A General may conclude a Military Convention as to the 
terms on which he and his troops will lay down their arms, but there 
is this difficulty about inserting any political promises, or holding 
out any political hopes in such a Convention, that at that stage 
reconstruction cannot be far advanced, if indeed it has commenced, 
and in its progress it may be found impossible to carry out such 
promises or give effect to such hopes. A moral sanction to the 
extinction of a State may be obtained from a popular vote, or from 
the resolution of an assembly specially elected to decide on the 
matter \ and since such sanction cannot in any case be a legal one, 
the voters summoned need not be only those who enjoyed the 
franchise before. The oligarchy hitherto governing has no moral 
claim to represent the South African Republic. But as against 
third Powers with which a question may arise as to what has become 
of the rights and obligations of the annexed State, the only legal 
title which the annexing State can claim under international usage 
is the will of itself as conqueror, sanctioned by time." 

" 3. Can the conquering State acquire and claim all the benefits 
which may have accrued between the subjects of the conquered 
State and their former Government prior to the date of conquering 
and annexation; and what would be the position in this respect of 
a person who had acquired property and contracted obligations with 
the conquered State prior to annexation, when at the same time he 
remained a subject of the conquering State?" 

I am of opinion that the conquering State acquires all the rights 
of the State annexed, but it acquires no rights greater than those the 
conquered State possessed at the time of annexation. All these 
rights are necessarily subject to any defences which might legitimately 
be raised against the original claim of the conquered State. I can 
see no difference in the position of a subject of a hostile State, in 
regard to his private rights against or his liabilities towards the 
Government of the conquered State on the termination of war, from 
that of a neutral subject. 

As regards the latter portion of this question, the rights of a 
subject of a hostile Power as against the State remain the same upon 



APPENDIX N 417 

conquest. And of course any defences on equitable claims he is 
entitled to assert against the predecessor in title of the new Govern- 
ment are valid against the new Government itself. In the case 
already quoted, Lord Cranworth is referred to as saying that succeed- 
ing Governments must succeed in every respect to the property as 
they find it, and subject to all the conditions and liabilities to which 
it is subject and by which they are bound. 

"4. The effect of war on private and public contracts generally, 
and the duration of a contract or obligation when the enjoyment 
thereof is suspended by war.'' 

The law on this point appears to be correctly summarised in a 
recent pamphlet entitled "The Legal Effect of War on Contracts 
and other Liabilities," by Advocate Manfred Nathan, as follows :— 

(a) " The existence of a state of war does not excuse a person 
from liability for contracts — with the exception mentioned in (b), 
where the party who is sought to be liable might have foreseen or 
provided against the contingency of war by his contract. The 
question whether the party could have foreseen a contingency or 
not, is a matter of evidence." 

(b) " Where the performance of a contract depends on the exist- 
ence of a specific thing, and such thing is destroyed by warlike 
operations, or as a direct consequence of a state of war, there the 
party sought to be made liable will be excused from performance." 

(c) "Where the person is bound, in the performance of a public 
duty, to perform a certain thing, and the performance is prevented 
by the outbreak of war, he will be excused from liability." 

(d) "Where a thing is destroyed by the act of the Queen's 
enemies, and destruction of or injury to the thing causes damage to 
others, the owner or custodian of the thing will not be liable for 
such damage." 

(e) " Where, on account of warlike measures, such as a state of 
war prevailing in a territory, invasion and fear of invasion, a tenant 
has been deprived of the beneficial occupation of property leased to 
him, he will be entitled to a remission of rent, total or partial, in 
proportion to the extent of his loss of occupation." 

" 5. Assuming that the principle of the Roman Dutch Law, as 
interpreted by the superior Courts of South Africa, is correct, and 
that a contract for rent of immovable property cannot be enforced 
against a tenant (under certain conditions) for the period he has 
been deprived of beneficial occupation or enjoyment of the thing 
leased, the deprivation having been caused by the enemies of the 
State in time of war, how will this principle affect the non-payment 
of the aforesaid licences? and how far can the old or the new 
Governments enforce the penalties provided by law against the 
individual for the non-fulfilment of his part of the contract under 
the present circumstances?" 

With reference to the first question, I would point out that the 
matter of these Transvaal claims is not the case of a beneficial 

2 D 



418 APPENDICES 

ownership being interfered with by the enemies of the State ; a 
matter which is dealt with in answer to the previous question; it is 
a case of the State itself interfering. To the general question — 
whether a defence of vis major as against the Transvaal Government 
or its claimant successor in title, is applicable, it seems clear that this 
general principle of Roman Dutch Law, being the common law of 
South Africa, must necessarily apply. 

The Transvaal Government, by military force, prevented beneficial 
occupation. Their successor in title cannot be in any superior legal 
position. 

The demand for claim licences is practically one of quitrent for 
land leased by the State, and therefore in this respect falls under the 
ordinary law as to land let on lease. 

No fulfilment of penalties can legally be exacted by the new 
Government, since, as I have already stated, they cannot claim 
rights more extensive than those of their predecessors in title. 

" 6. Can a State in any case claim rents arising from the lease of 
part of its soil, or the lease of the right to extract something from 
the soil, when by its own act of waging war and expelling the lessee 
it has deprived the lessee from the enjoyment of his rights ? in 
other words, assuming no annexation had taken place, could the 
Transvaal Government under present circumstances have claimed 
payment of the arrear licence money ? " 

There is only one word in answer to this inquiry. It is No. 
Neither State nor individual can make a profit out of the conse- 
quences of their own act preventing the other party to a contract 
from reaping the benefit of the contract. Nemo potest lucrum facere 
ex delicto suo. 

" 7. Following up this aspect of the question, can the British 
Government enforce all obligations against the mining community 
entered into before the war with the Transvaal Government so long 
as the officer in command of Her Majesty's forces prevents the 
people from returning to the enjoyment of their rights?" 

Quite apart from the fact that the acts of the Transvaal Govern- 
ment had invalidated any claim they might have had under their 
contracts, the succeeding Government, by its own act in preventing 
return to the territory and thereby preventing beneficial occupation, 
has invalidated its claim. 

" 8. Can there be a voluntary cession of the Transvaal ? " 

As already intimated, and as stated in Professor Westlake's 
opinion, there can be no voluntary cession of the Transvaal. There 
is no body in existence with power to make such cession. 

M. J. Farrelly, LL.D., Barrister-at-Law. 

Cape Town, 14//* September 1900. 



Chap. 20] 



APPENDIX O 

From " Hazell's Annual," 1901, p. 19; 



Death Duties. 



All the property of the deceased is firstly liable to estate duty, 
and then to legacy and succession duties. Foreign property is to be 
included only when such property would formerly have been subject 
to succession or legacy duty; and in the case of property in the 
Colonies any duty payable in the Colony for the property is to be 
allowed as a deduction from the estate duty ; and if the Commis- 
sioners are satisfied that duty is chargeable in a foreign country in 
respect of property there, they are to make an allowance of the 
amount of that duty from the value of the property. The following 
table notifies the amounts payable under the estate duty of the 
Finance Act, 1894, viz. : — 



Estate Dutv. 



Value of the Estate. 


Rate per Cent, of 
Estate Duty. 

£ *• d. 


£ 


£ 


10 1 to 500 


100 


501 , 


, 1,000 


200 


1,001 , 


, 10,000 


300 


IO,OOI , 


, 25,000 


400 


25,001 , 


, 50,000 


4 10 


50,001 , 


75,000 


500 


75. 001 . 


100,000 


5 10 


100,001 , 


, 150,000 


600 


150,001 , 


, 250,000 


6 10 


250,001 , 


, 500,000 


700 


500,001 , 


, 1,000,000 


7 10 


1,000,001 and upwards 


800 



To ascertain the percentage of duty payable, all the property passing 
on the death of its owner is to be aggregated so as to form an estate. 
Legacy duty is payable on legacies and shares of residue under a 
will or intestacy, and is applicable to personal property, except lease- 
holds either within the United Kingdom or abroad of a person 

419 



4 20 APPENDICES 

who died domiciled in the United Kingdom. The rate of this duty 
is as under : — viz., for legacies to children, or father, mother, or lineal 
ancestors, £i per cent. ; to brothers or sisters or their descendants, 
^3 per cent. ; to brothers and sisters of the father and mother of 
deceased, or any descendant of such brothers or sisters, £$ per cent. : 
to brothers and sisters of grandfather or grandmother, or any de- 
scendants of such brothers or sisters, £6 per cent. ; to persons of 
other degrees of consanguinity or strangers in blood, ;£io per cent. 
Succession duty is payable on the interest that an individual takes as 
successor to a deceased person on real or leasehold property in the 
United Kingdom, or on legacies charged upon the proceeds of sale of 
real estate of a person who died domiciled in this country, irrespective 
of the situation of the property ; and also on personal property in- 
cluded in a settlement, whether that property was at home or abroad. 
The duty varies in a similar manner to the legacy duty, and is as 
follows : — £1 per cent, on the value of succession to lineal descend- 
ants ; £3 per cent, to brothers and sisters and their descendants ; 
^5 per cent, to brothers and sisters of the father or mother of the 
predecessor, or the descendants of such brothers or sisters ; £6 per 
cent, to brothers and sisters of the grandfathers or grandmothers of 
the predecessor, or descendants of such brothers or sisters ; and ^io 
per cent, to persons of other degrees of consanguinity or strangers in 
blood. The value of a succession to real estate is ascertained by 
tables in the Succession Duty Act of 1853. The beneficial interest 
is considered as an annuity equal to the net yearly value of the pro- 
perty during the lifetime of the successor, or other shorter term to 
which his interest may extend. By the Finance Act, 1894, the 
principal value of any property liable to the new estate duty is to be 
estimated on the price which, in the opinion of the Commissioners, 
the property would realise if sold in the open market at the time of 
the death of the deceased ; but, as regards agricultural property, the 
value is not to exceed twenty-five years' purchase of the property, as 
assessed under Schedule A. of the Income Tax Acts, after deducting 
^5 per cent, for expenses of management. Disputes as to valuation 
of the property may be referred to the High Court, or to the County 
Court where the amount is less than ^10,000. Duty on real pro- 
perty may be paid by eight yearly or sixteen half-yearly instalments. 
It is provided by the Finance Act, 1896, that estate duty on annui- 
ties may be paid by four equal annual instalments. 



Chap. 21] 



APPENDIX P 



ORANGE RIVER COLONY 

LIST OF GOVERNMENT FARMS 
District of Bethlehem. 



No. 


Name. 


Regd. 
No. 


Size. 


Title. 






Morgen. 


Roods. 




1 


N ewbridge . 


321 


2 





Grondbrief 


2 


Uitroep 


368 


1344 


251 




3 


Sandfort 


420 


1 





jj 


4 


Daaran 


4 2 4 


unsurveyed 






5 Welbedacht 


425 










6 


Vlakbult 


426 










7 


Komthier 


427 




• 






8 


Wellust 


428 






, , 


JJ 


9 Lijnplaats . 


430 


)> 








10 Hooguit 


433 


1 5 






JJ 


11 Verkijk 


429 


686 


160 




12 Eiffel . 


500 


80 


486 


J J 


13 


Beginsel 


515 


777 


357 


J J 


14 


Braamhoek . 


5i6 


929 







15 


Boschkloof . 


517 


1958 


182 


J. 


16 


Rhebok Kop 


5i8 


2277 


5 6 7 


> J 


17 Bolivia . 


755 


622 


598 


JJ 


18 Hekla . 


859 


29 





•i 



District of Boshof. 



No. 


Name. 


Regd. 
No. 


Size. 


Title. 






Morgen. 


Roods. 


1 


Winterhoek . 


95 


4367 


72 


Grondbrief 


2 


Welgeluk 




J 5S 


1940 


220 




3 


Jansepan 




239 


i°35 


427 


» j 


4 


Roodepanvlakte 




245 


824 


60 


»j 


5 


Witpan 




257 


unsurveyed 




T.A. 6644 (no title) 


6 


Zoet-en-zuur 




285 


1650 


590 


Grondbrief 


7 


Boomplaats . 




477 


unsurveyed 




T.A. 54291 (no title) 


8 


Preezdal 




484 


1428 


401 


Grondbrief 


9 


Onverwacht . 




494 


1608 


167 


■ j 


10 


Langerug . 




495 


709 


420 


5 > 


n 


Overschot 




496 


I5SI 


55 1 


j j 


12 


Arnotsden . 




572 


1037 


350 


jj 


13 


Verdriet 




573 


701 


296 


j j 


! 14 


Triangle 


574 


476 





jj 



421 



422 



APPENDICES 



District of Caledon River. 



No/ Name. 

1 


Regd. 

No. 


Size. 


Title. 


i 
i Pollux .... 

1 


248 


Morgen. 
2 


Roods. 



T.A. 27050 



District of Fauresmith. 



No. 

1 
2 

3 
4 

5 


Name. 


Regd. 

No. 


Size. 


Title. 


De Brug 

Leeuwkop . 

Hamelbult . 

( Kalabas Brug West ) 

1 (Bridge) . ' . f 

( Kalabas Brug East ) 

t (Bridge) . . j* 


597 
663 

675 
705 

707 


Morgen. 

563 

970 

132 



1 


Roods. 
108 
566 
12 

56-5 

254 


T.A. 45816 

Grondbrief. 

Grondbrief (no title) 

T.A. 55237 
T.A. 55238 







District 


' OF FlCKSBURG. 




No. 

1 
2 


Name. 


Regd. 

No. 


Size. 


Title. 


Uitval .... 
Betsy's Daal 


45 
256 


Morgen. 
1756 

1 


Roods. 
547 

79-07 


Grondbrief. 
T.A. 54x45 



District of Harrismith. 



No. 



1 

2 



9 
10 

11 
12 

13 

14 

15 
16 

17 



Name. 



Bruwersjeugd 
Woest Arabia 
Landdrost . 
Oranje (Bridge ) 

Wilge River) . j* 
( Cornells River Bridge ) 
t "A" . . j 
Bruggrond (over Cor- ) 

nelis River) . J 
Oldenburg 
Steelbridge 
Borderbridge 
Middelste 
Holhoek 
Oever . 
Vaalklip 
Gevonden 
Aangezien 
Ganshoek 
Zwaluw 



Regd. 

No. 



34 
40 

45 
286 

3°3 

346 

384 
488 

545 
643 
644 

645 
646 

670 

672 

685 

787 



Size. 



Morgen. 

1275 

458 

o 



4898 

3 

1 

705 
unsurveyed 

789 
unsurveyed 



Roods. 

52 
90 

534 



147 

420 

180 
o 
o 
o 

unsurveyed 

o 
unsurveyed 



66 



Title. 



Grondbrief. 

T.A. 41488 (no title) 
T.A. 47044 (no title) 

T.A. 47298 

T.A. 48868 

Grondbrief. 
T.A. 30197 
T.A. 30702 
Grondbrief. 



T.A. 36776 



APPENDIX P 



423 



District of Heilbron. 



No. 


Name. 


Regd. 

No. 


Size. 


Title. 






Morgen. 


Roods. 




1 


Alphen 


7 


unsurveyed 


unsurveyed 


Grondbrief. 




( Servitude on Honing- ) 
\ kopjes . . ) 


80 


... 


... 


T.A. 53645 


3 


Kronen bloem 


104 


1402 


157 


Grondbrief. 


4 


Keerom 


105 


2390 


120 






5 


Molensteenpan 


129 


3018 


469 






6 


Oorsprong . 


x 35 


1248 


440 




, 


7 


Rachan 


163 


1821 


500 






8 


Somerset 


193 


2618 


5i6 






9 


Vrijburgh 


236 


unsurveyed 


unsurveyed 






10 


Moscow 


274 


1294 









11 


Bieskop 


295 


559 









12 


Middenin 


334 


1580 


152 






13 


Rietput 


347 


1265 


300 






14 


Vrijheid 


3 6 3 


1462 


550 






IS 


Zandoog 


373 


1586 


5°° 






16 


Open .... 


386 


1288 


334 






17 


Preston 


393 


546 


316 






18 


Kimberley . 


4i7 


809 









i9 


Raaffie 


428 


334 


394 






20 


Welgelegen . 


432 


997 


132 






21 


Fortuna 


433 


15*7 


294 






22 


Uitval .... 


434 


835 


562 






2 3 


Tusschenin . 


439 


869 


240 






24 


Springbokvlakte . 


446 


1867 


169 






25 


Uitkijk 


45i 


865 


350 






26 


Grasplaats . 


460 


1469 


529 






27 


Jubilee 


461 


418 


553 


, 




28 


Bovenuit 


494 


1004 


18 






1 29 


Odin . . . . 


621 


147 


217 






D. 


[strict of Hoop 


STAD. 




No. 


Name. 


1 Regd. 
No. 


Siz 


e. 


1 
Title. 






Morgen. 


Roods. 




1 


Kwaggavlakte 


21 3074 


280 


Grondbrief. 


2 


Vrijheid 


22 


2654 


85 


1 > 


3 


Gouvernementsrecht . 


23 


2979 


489 


■ 1 


4 


Overijssel 


24 2535 


361 


> > 


5 


Friesland 


25 28 5° 


489 


1 1 


6 


Grasveld 


40 2743 


400 


■ 1 


7 


Noord Holland . 


50 2349 


309 


1 1 


8 


Zandaam 


60 1468 


116 


1 1 


9 


Uitrecht 


195 


6316 


206 


1 1 


10 


Vrijheid 


199 


1333 


86 


■ 1 


11 


Alles zal recht komen . 


226 


685 


274 


■ 1 


12 


Uitenhaag . 


257 


2813 


199 


T.A. 40867 (no title) 


13 
x 4 


is Uitvlucht . 


258 


848 


2832 3 


Grondbrief. 


a 

Leeuwdoorns 


272 


1265 


568 


Grondbrief (no title) 


15 


Lambrechtsfontein 


273 


2415 


468 


do. 


16 


Strijdvlakte . 


316 


unsurveyed 


unsurveyed 


T.A. 46790 


17 


Aanvraag 


332 


720 


278 


Grondbrief. 


18 


Tel-el- Kebir 


354 


400 


308 


■ 1 


x 9 


Kettingvlakte 


355 


555 


523 


• > 


20 


Grootboom . 


367 


1428 


104 


1 1 


21 


Angra Pequina . 


38i 


605 


90 


1 > 



4 2 4 



APPENDICES 



District of Jacobsdal. 



No. 

i 

2 


Name. R ^ d ' 


Size. 


Title. 


Zoutpan ... 82 
Uitkijk . . . 129 


Morgen. Roods. 
120 Estimtd. size 
300 


(No title) 



Note. — These farms are supposed to be non-existent. 

District of Kroonstad. 



No. 



1 
2 

3 

4 

5 
6 

7 
8 

9 
10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 
16 

17 
18 

*9 
20 
21 
22 

23 
24 

25 
26 



Name. 



Fairfield 
Gelijkvlakte . 
Goudvlakte . 
Aankom 
Dubbelpan . 
Kruijspan . 
Barberpan . 
Vlakpan 
Driedoorn . 
Vlaklaagte . 
Katboschpan 
Cradock 
Klipdraai 
Canada 
Rosepan 
Wonderbult 
Reitkuil 
Gastvrijheid . 
Welgelegen . 
Taaiboschp.an 
Putfontein . 
Landdrost Blignaut 
Rooderand . 
Landdrost Robertson 
Diamant 
Avondale 



Regd. 

No. 



Size. 



Morgen. 



Roods. 



27 
142 

268 
269 

439 
442 

452 

453 

473 
478 

489 

520 

664 

738 

739 
740 

781 

784 

793 

813 
814 

817 

818 

873 

930 

1092 



District of Ladybrand. 



District of Rouxville. 



No. 



Name. 



Regd. 

No. 



Castor . 
Uitspanning 



455 
495 



Size. 




Title. 



1924 


168 


uronaoner 


1921 


287 


1 1 


1141 


380 


1 1 


2215 


170 


> ? 


1755 


384 


■ 1 


2793 


585 


1 > 


4932 


593 


> 1 


3167 


400 


» » 


830 


125 


t » 


1419 


8 


1 j 


1818 


103 


1 1 


1971 


490 


> j 


1776 


23 


> » 


1387 


484 


1 1 


1 201 


S80 


1 > 


726 


344 


1 » 


1881 


160 


t > 


2148 


210 


1 1 


2248 





1 > 


2245 





» 1 


1560 


349 


j 1 


2916 


112 


1 > 


2335 


79 


1 > 


876 


196 


; 1 


347 


382 


» > 


3°7 


352 


1 1 



No. 

1 


Name. 


Regd. 

No. 


Size. 


Title. 


Witkopje 


140 


Morgen. 
939 


Roods. 
419 


T.A. 23689 



Title. 



T.A. 26859 
Grondbrief. 



APPENDIX P 



4 2 5 



District of Vrede. 



No. 



3 
4 

5 
6 

7 
8 

9 
io 



Name. 



Blackhill 
Begeerlijk 
Muirton 
The Ovens 
Loch Ben 
Negenfontein 
Orebielaagte 
Uitspanning 
Ouhoudshoek 
Stillewoning 
ii I Mooigenoeg 
12 i Frankfort Bridge 



Regd. 
No. 



7 
28 

29 

37 

57 

251 
308 

360 
364 
36S 
366 

577 



Size. 



Morgen. 


Roods. 


1018 


60 


896 





i°35 
781 

781 


130 
190 
101 


1794 


320 


1072 

1385 

996 

i960 


240 

300 






1027 





1 


149 



Title. 



Grondbrief. 



T.A. 54777 



District of Wepener. 



No. 


Name. 


Regd. 
No. 


Size. 


Title. 








Morgen. 


Roods. 




1 


Geluk .... 


no 


460 


20 


Grondbrief. 


2 


Karreefontein 


121 


613 


340 


1 1 


3 


Biessiesdal . 


169 


1620 





ii 


4 


Jammerbergs Brug, A . 


267 





300 


T.A. 53797 


5 


11 .I K • 


269 


2 





T.A. 54191 


6 


Sphynx 


27O 


10 


466 


Grondbrief. 



District of Winburg. 



No. 


Name. 


iRegd. 
No. 


Size. 


Title. 








Morgen. 


Roods. 




1 


Frischgewaagd 


114 


1202 


40 


Grondbrief. 


2 


Mushroomvalley 




280 


1550 


89 


1 } 


3 


Early Morn . 




281 


2551 


230 


Grondbrief (no title) 


4 


Paardekraal . 




282 


1540 


442 


1 1 


S 


Farewell 




283 


734 


532 


1 1 


6 


Roodekop . 




284 


1265 


13 


1 1 


7 


Schimpersvley 




679 


1453 





» > 


8 


Dispuut 




914 


172 


543 


T.A. 45834 


Q 


Middenin 




926 


848 


265 


Grondbrief. 


10 


Klein Vet Rivier Bridge 


1122 





354 


I .A. 56140 


11 


Laaispruit Bridge 


1123 





559 


T.A. 56139 



426 



APPENDICES 



District of Bloemfontein. 



No. 



1 
2 

3 

4 

5 
6 

7 

8 

9 
10 

11 

12 

J 3 
14 

*5 

16 

17 
18 

J 9 
20 
21 
22 

23 
24 

21 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

3 1 
3 2 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 

40 

4i 
42 



Name. 



Grootvley 
Uitval . 
Sydenham . 
Lechoara, Moroka 

Zoetlaagte . , , 

Likatlong . ,, 

Hoepelrok . , , 

Ramalitse . , , 

Moltanyana . ,, 

Khumo . , , 

Golimo . , , 

Patchoane . ,, 

England . ,, 

Wilgeboomsnek , , 

Vaalkraal . , , 

Commissiehoek ,, 

Roodebult . , , 

Kgama . , , 

Seliba . . ,, 

-L 3.13. ) ■ , j 

Bofulo . . ,, 

Mokopo . ,, 

Leeuwdraai . ,, 

Morago . , , 

Kgalala 

Mooihoek . , , 

Alexandria . , , 

Palafala . , , 

Malika . . , , 

Phokoane . , , 

Mafeteng . , , 
Menschvretersberg , , 

Lokoala . ,, 

Mount Pleasant ,, 

Abrahamskraal , , 

Salisbury . , , 

Gladstone . , , 

Lesaka . . , , 

Feloana . , , 
( Thabancho (loca- 
( tion) Moroka 
Modder River Bridge, 



Regd. 
No. 



206 
353 

445 
1012 

1013 

1014 

1015 

1016 

1017 

1018 

1019 

1021 

1022 

1023 

1024 

1026 

1027 

1028 

1029 

1030 

1031 

1032 

!°33 
1034 

!°35 
1036 

1037 

1038 

1041 

1042 

1043 
1044 
1046 
1047 
1057 
1071 
1072 

1073 
1117 

1162 

1279 
1280 



Size. 



M or gen. 
1810 

36 

5°2 

1176 

2312 

1497 
1369 

873 
862 

2822 

4088 
3071 

2551 
466 

1219 

2347 
2246 
1187 
1946 

1653 
1856 

4737 
2266 
4226 

4563 
932 

4553 
488 

1558 
3482 
2810 

2835 
1036 

1945 
1263 
2138 
1987 
1411 
582 

6709 

o 
o 



Roods. 

5i9 

262 

200 
250 

584 

320 

174 

o 

413 

IOO 

425 

316 

345 

235 
o 

o 

138 
187 

198 

554 

3° 

o 

o 

296 

24 

553 
117 

o 
400 

o 

o 
400 

324 

334 
228 
320 
300 

5° 
o 

370 

206.6 
508.8 



Title. 



Grondbrief. 

,, no title 
T.A. 54453 
Grondbrief. 



1 1 
i > 
> i 
> » 

1 * 



1 1 



I 1 
f J 



> ) 
I > 



no title 



no title 



T.A. ^3860 
T.A. 53893 



Also a number of erven (stands) in nearly every town and village 
in the Colony. 



INDEX 



Administration, present and 
future, 285-98 ; Transvaal, 285- 
298 ; Orange River Colony, 334 

Advisory Board, Transvaal, 292 

African Review on new adminis- 
tration, 289 

Afrikander ambitions, 219 

Agriculture, Transvaal, 138-43, 163, 
280, 383 ; Orange River Colony, 

323-25 
Albert silver mine, 121 
Alluvial gold, 5, 45, 46, 48 
American Homestead Acts, 190 ; 

share Transvaal trade, 250 
Antimony, 127 
Appointments, Transvaal civil, 285, 

287 ; military, 288 
Arab traders, 213 
Assets, Crown, Transvaal, 281, 284 ; 

Orange River Colony, 334-35 
Assisted passages to new colonies, 

202 

BAREERTON goldfield and district, 
47, 52, 103, 127, 387 

Barley, 163 

Barretts Berlin Co., 49 

Becker, Dr. G. F., on Witwaters- 
rand series, 1 1 

Bewaarplaatsen, mining companies 
and rights, 61 ; late Government's 
decision re, 62 ; disposal of, 94, 
304 ; number and value, 99 ; 
value, 284 

Bezuidenville borehole, 13 

Birthday Reef, 54 



Bismuth, 128 

Black Reef formation, 11, 50, 126 

Bloemhof district, 152 

Boers, feeling of Uitlanders to- 
wards, 212; people, 214; history, 
215 ; characteristics, 216-18 ; and 
British civilisation, 218 ; crusade 
against everything British, 220 ; 
mortgaging of farms, 220-22, 
millionaires, 223 ; population, 
223 ; ownership of farms, 223 ; 
do. by Uitlanders, 223 ; contri- 
bution to the War, 223 ; and 
natives, 227 ; trade with, 246 ; 
representation in new Govern- 
ment, 295 

Bonanza mine, 16 

Budget, Transvaal, 1899, 316-21 ; 
specimen, 1902-4, and 1905-14, 
316-21 ; Orange River Colony, 
1897-98, 336-38 ; do. specimen, 
1902, 336-38 

Building stones, 129 

Canadian Gold Law, 89 

Cape Colony, irrigation in, 181— 
184 ; imports and exports, 249 ;/., 
brandy tax, 253 ; railway results, 
263 ; imports of South African 
products, 397 

Capital, tax on new, 307, 336 

Capitalisation, deep level ground, 
28-30 ; Rand companies, 85, 

342-55 
Capitalists and late Government, 

64-71 ; and the War, 64, 66 ; 



427 






428 INDEX 

and merchants, 242 ; and present 
Government, 286 ; and refugees, 
405-1 1 

Carolina district, 155, 387 

Cattle, 159, 161, 281, 326 

Cement, 128 

Chamber of mines, and prospectors, 
69 ; and dynamite, 1 36 

Chromite, 130 

City and Suburban mine results, 16 

Claims, mining, number on Rand 
in 1898, 22 ; revenue of Estate 
companies from, 70 ; abandoned 
and mineral rights, 63 ; decrease 
in number pegged, 81 ; number 
pegged, 85 ; Lord Roberts's pro- 
clamation re payment of licences 
upon, 212, 288, 294, 412-18 ; 
licences revenue, 303, 316 

Coal districts, geology analyses, 
&c, 105-13 ; freights, 11 1 ; future 
of Transvaal, 278-79 ; Orange 
River Colony, 330 

Cobalt, 126 

Cocoa, 172 

Coffee, 166 

Coke industry, 111-12 

Commerce, Transvaal, 241 ; volume, 
247 ; divisions, 241 ; drawbacks 
of, 251 ; Orange River Colony, 

333 
Compounds" system, 246 

"Conquered Territory," 325 

Copper, 123-24, 390 

Cotton, 170 

Crown assets, Transvaal, 281-84 5 

Orange River Colony, 334-35 
Crown liabilities, Transvaal, 254, 

284 ; Orange River Colony, 334- 

35 
Crown Reef mine, results, 21 11. 

Customs Union, South Africa, 251 



a 



Dairy industry, 160, 281 
Death duties, 305, 419 
Deep levels, Witwatersrand, 12 ; 
capitalisation, 28-30 ; ground 



mynpachts on, 23 ; ground, Go- 
vernment, 103 ; cost of equip- 
ment, 25 ; possible limits, 27 ; 
capitals, profits, &c, 342-355 

De Kaap goldfields and district, 
47, 52, 103, 127, 387 

Departments, new colonies, 292 

Development, new areas, 72 ; pro- 
gressive, of Rand, 367-71 

Diamonds, Transvaal, 6, 114, 131, 
116, 387, 390; Orange River 
Colony, 330-32 

Districts, Transvaal, description, 
146-56, 383-91 ; outside gold, 
277-78 ; Orange River Colony, 
324-26 

Dividends paid by Witwatersrand 
mines, 16 //., 85 

Dolomite, 140, 180 

Draper, David, on Rand water 
supply, 141 ; on diamonds and 
other minerals, 114-32 ; de- 
scription of geological sections, 
372-77; evidence before Conces- 
sions Commission, 134 ?i. 

Drink concession, 6 ; traffic, 229- 

233, 244 

Dues, Government, light on high- 
grade mines, 75 ; import, reduc- 
tion, 251-52,305 

Dynamite Company, capital, 134 

Dynamite, consumption, 137; com- 
parative costs of Rand and Kim- 
berley, 1 37 ; suggested policy re, 
137 ; tax on, 308 

Dynamite monopoly, 6, 132-34 ; 
legal opinions, 135 ; Chamber of 
Mines and, 136 

Eckstein, F., on native labour, 

229 
Egypt and Transvaal, contrast, 83 
Ermelo district, 144, 154, 387; 

railway, 265 
Eucalyptus, 169 
Executive, new Transvaal, 293 
Expenditure in Transvaal, 308, 313, 



INDEX 



429 



316-21 ; Orange River Colony, 

336 
Extensions of Rand, 39, 103 ; 

railways, 167-69, 271, 334 
Extraction of gold, principles of, 14 

Farrar, G., on future administra- 
tion, 393 

Farrelly, Dr. M. J., on refugees 
and capitalists, 405-1 1 ; on Lord 
Roberts's proclamation 1'e pay- 
ment of licences accrued during 
War, 412-18 

Ferreira Deep mine, 25-31 

Fever, in low country, 143 : pre- 
cautions, 176 ; slight character 
of, 175 ; Dr. Manson on, 177 

Firebricks, 121 

Fiscal policy, 299, 307, 316-21, 

335-36 
Fraser, W. P., on land settlement, 

198 ; on Swaziland, 378-81 ; on 

Natal immigration, 399, 403 
Free State. See Orange Free 

State and Orange River Colony 
" Freezing-out " process on Rand, 

73 
French capital on Rand, 65 

Galena ore, 122 

Gannister, 128 

Gatsrand formation, 1 1 

Geduld, farm and Company, 13, 14 

Geldenhuis Deep, 32 

Geology, features of Witwaters- 
rand, 10 ; survey of Transvaal, 
132 ; diagrammatic sections de- 
scription, 372-77 

German capital, 65 ; share Trans- 
vaal trade, 250 

Goats, 162 

Gold, alluvial, 5, 45, 46, 48 ; mono- 
poly in, 58-83, 301 ; produc- 
tion, 274-75, 371 ; values, 356- 
365 ; in Orange River Colony, 
331 ; concessions in Transvaal, 
382 ; resources of Rand, 272 ; 



rights, Government reservation 
of, 94 ; revenue from, 96, 104 

Gold Law, examination of, 58-83, 
80, 84, 87 ; basis of, 59 ; effects, 
4, 63, 72, 76, 78 ; capitalists and, 
69, 71 ; incidence on poor mines, 
81 ; locks up State assets, 82 ; 
non-interference with titles, 84 ; 
change with respect to new Gold 
Law, 87 ; suggested new prin- 
ciple, 88 ; comparison with other 
countries, 89 ; remodelling, 90 

Goldfields. See Quartz-reef districts, 
Barberton, De Kaap, Heidel- 
berg, Hex River, Johannesburg, 
Kaapsche Hoop, Klein Letaba, 
Klerksdorp, Komati, Lydenburg, 
Malmani, Murchison, Nigel, 
Northern Goldfields, Outside dis- 
tricts, Pilgrim's Rest, Pretoria, 
Rand, Swaziland, Venterskroon, 
Vryheid, Witwatersrand, Zout- 
pansberg 

Government, of Transvaal, share in 
mines, 95 ; revenue from gold 
rights, 96 ; gold areas, 102 ; aid 
to irrigation, 187 ; lands, 185, 
196, 392-93, military, 211, 285, 
288-89 '■> administration, future, 
285-98; Immigration Board, 196; 
Orange River Colony, assets, &c, 
334-35 ; list of farms, 421-26 

Green crops, 164 

Groot Letaba River plantations, 167 

Hammond, J. Hays, on workable 

depths, 24 ; on working costs, 272 

Harcourt - Robinson controversy, 

43, 299 
Hatch, F. H., on Rand ore, 2>3 ; on 

gold production, 275, 371 
Hatch and Chalmers, estimate of 

value of Rand, 20 
Heidelberg district, 10, 41, 82, 150, 

383 
Hex River, 10 

Horse sickness, 143-54 



43° 



INDEX 



Horses, 157 

Hospital Hill series, 10, 120, 373, 

374, 375 

Immigration, 195 ; suggested 
Government Board, 196; scheme 
of settlement, 197 ; class of 
settlers, 200-2 ; to Natal, 203, 
399-403 ; Cape Colony experi- 
ment, 203 ; capitalists and, 
205 

Imperial Light Horse, 209 

Imperial military railway. See 
Railways 

Import, dues, reduction of, 251-52, 
305; trade of Transvaal and Great 
Britain compared, 248 ; of South 
Africa compared with Australia 
and Canada, 249 

Importation of horses, &c, by 
mines, 242-43 

Industries, other than gold mining, 
88 ; iron, 236 ; distilling, 237 ; 
system of concessions, 237 ; 
cement, 239 ; chemical, 239 ; 
moderate protection for, 239 ; 
Mr. Chamberlain's opinion re, 
240; manufacturing, 280; Orange 
River Colony, 333. See also 
Gold 

Industries Commission on Dyna- 
mite, 135 

Iridium, 127 

Iron-ore, districts, 119 ; of Middel- 
burg, 6, 236, 332, 388 

Irregular corps, treatment by mili- 
tary, 211 

Irrigation, 179-85, 187 ; in Cape 
Colony, 181-84; in Transvaal, 
payability of, 181 ; value of, near 
Pretoria, 183 ; schemes near 
Klerksdorp and Schoeman's 
Rust, 183 ; best opportunities, 
184 ; Government aid, 187 ; 
general policy, 188 ; village 
communities and, 192, 222 ; in 
Orange River Colony, 326 



Jagersfontein mine, 330 
Johannesburg, district, 82 ; mines, 
208 ; town, 207, 245 ; institutions, 
207 ; people, 208-10 ; municipal 
government, 296-98 
Johannesburg Consolidated Invest- 
ment Company, 286, 286 n., 294, 
297 

Kaapsche Hoop, alluvial, 46, 48 ; 

reef deposits, 49 
Kaffir, corn, 163 ; trade, 247 
Key, A. Cooper, on Netherlands 
Railway profits, 263 ; on Rand 
gold production, 275 ; do., 367- 

37i 
Klein Letaba goldfield, 9, 54 

Klerksdorp district and goldfield, 

10, 42, 81, 116, 126 
Klipriviersberg diabase, 1 1 
Komati, goldfield, 48 ; district, 387 
Kruger, ex-President, stories of, 

217, 293, 314 
Krugersdorp district, 124, 155, 372 

Lace Diamond mine, 330 
Land, 138-94 ; policy, 185-94 ; 
owned by Government in Trans- 
vaal, 185 ; by private owners, 
186; excessive subdivision of, 
193 ; Government, 202, 280 ; 
taxation, 188, 305, 328 ; statis- 
tics, Transvaal, 392-93 ; values, 
railway influence on, 270 ; statis- 
tics, Orange River Colony, 421- 
426 ; value, Orange River Col- 
ony, 323 ; ownership, Orange 
River Colony, 327 
Lead, 122 

Legislative Council, proposed, 291 ; 

composition of, 292 ; urgency of 

formation, 294 

Leniency, danger of excessive, 222 

Liabilities, Crown, Transvaal, 254, 

284 ; Orange River Colony, 334- 

335 
Licences-claim, payment of accrued, 



INDEX 



43 1 



during War, 68, 212, 288, 294, 

412-18 ; revenue from, 303, 316 ; 

number of claim, 81, 85 
Lichtenburg district, 152 
Lime, phosphate of, Orange River 

Colony, 333 
Live stock, Transvaal, 159, 161, 

281, 326 
Locust plague, 144 
Low country climate, 143, 174 
Low-grade mines, 48, 49, 51, 253, 

273-75 
Lydenburg, gold, 9, 45, 46, 103 ; 

district, 143, 148, 388 

Machinery value, 241 

Magatoland, 390 

Magnanimity, danger of misplaced, 

219 
Magnesite, 128-29 
Main Reef series, 12, 103. See 

also Witwatersrand 
Malmani district, 9, 56 
Manganese, 128 
Manson, Dr., on fever, 177 
Manufacturing industries, 280 
Marico district, 152 
Market gardening, 164 
Markham, Mr. A. B., speech in 

House of Commons, 286 
Mealies and maize, 145, 163, 323, 

384 

Merchants and capitalists, 242-43 

Mercury, 127 

Metallurgical progress, 14 

Mica, 129, 387 

Middelburg, coalfield, no; cobalt 
near, 126 ; district, 149, 388 

Military government, 211 ; scheme, 
285 ; criticisms, 289 ; appoint- 
ments, 288 

Milner, Sir A., 290, 294-95 

Monastery Diamond mine, 330 

Municipal government, Johannes- 
burg, 296-98 

Murchison district, 9, 55, 127 

Mynftachts, 23, 71, 72, 84 



Natal imports and exports, 249 n. ; 
railways, 262 ; imported South 
African produce, 396-97 ; immi- 
gration, 203, 399-403 

Natives, types and characteristics, 
226 ; wealth, 227 ; Boers and, 
227 ; unprincipled Commis- 
sioners, 227 ; taxation of, 228 ; 
on mines, 228-29 1 wages, 228 ; 
illicit drink traffic with, 229-33, 
244 ; Transvaal Leader crusade, 
230 ; at De Beers, 233 ; com- 
pound system, 233 ; principles of 
treatment, 234 ; incorrect views 
regarding, 235 ; trade with, 247 ; 
of Orange River Colony, 329 

Netherlands Railways. See Rail- 
ways 

Nickel, 128 

Nigel district, 366 

Northern goldfields of Transvaal, 
53, 103 

Oats, 163 

Opals, 130 

Orange Free State railways, 263 ; 
local South African products im- 
ported, 395-96 

Orange River Colony, extent, 322 ; 
history, 322 ; value of land, 323 ; 
mealie cultivation, 323 ; wheat 
district, 324 ; " Conquered Terri- 
tory," 325 ; " Conquered Terri- 
tory," small proportion land culti- 
vated, 325 ; stock districts, 326 ; 
irrigation, 326 ; land ownership, 
327 ; townships, 328 ; taxation 
of land, 328 ; people, 329 ; na- 
tives, 329 ; minerals, 329-33 ; 
railways, 333 ; commerce, 333 ; 
administration, 334 ; Crown as- 
sets and liabilities, 334-35 ; new 
debt, 335 ; fiscal policy, 335 ; 
budget, 1897-98, 336-38 ; budget 
specimen, 1902, 336-38; list 
Government farms, 421-26 

Osmium, 127 



43 2 



INDEX 



Outputs, gold statistics, 15, 16 
Outside gold districts, Transvaal, 

production, 277 ; prospects, 278 ; 

general, 384, 385, 387, 390 



Parsee traders, 213 

Phillips, L., on outlook in South 
Africa, 293 

Piet Retief district, 154, 386 

Pietersburg district, 389, 390 

Pigs, 162 

Pigg's Peak mine, 51 

Pilgrim's Rest, 5, 45-46, 148 

Platinum, 126 

Pleuro-pneumonia, 145 

Pongolo River, 57 

Poor mines, over-taxation of, 301 

Potchefstroom district, 10, 124, 146, 
171 

Poultry, 162 

Pretoria, district, 142, 146, 171, 180; 
gold field, 56 ; diamond field, 
1 1 5-1 8 ; iron ores, 119 

Pretoria- Pietersburg railway, 264- 

265, 284 
Prices on Rand, 242, 245 
Products, local South African im- 
ported, 394-98 
Profits, taxation, 61, 70, 86, 302 ; 
probable, in 1902, 3, 4, 274 ; per 
ton of Rand mines in 1898 and 
1899, 341-55 ; of Witwatersrand 
sections, 356-65 
Prospecting, improved facilities, 74, 
91, 97 ; former drawbacks, 74.-77, 
131 ; Transvaal to be thrown 
open for, 90 ; policy in Orange 
River Colony, 329 
Purchasing power, Transvaal 
mines, 309 



Quartz-reef districts, 45~ 57 ; 
Lydenburg, 45 ; Barberton or 
De Kaap, 47 ; Swaziland, 50-51 ; 
general remarks on Barberton 



district, 52 ; Northern goldfields, 
53 ; Zoutpansberg, 54 ; Murchi- 
son gold belt, 55 ; Pretoria, 56 ; 
other fields, 56-57 



Railway Pioneer Regiment, 209 
Railways, Netherlands (now Im- 
perial Military), policy during 
War, 254 ; finance, 255, 284 ; 
assets in Transvaal, 256 ; cost of 
construction, 257 ; reserve fund, 
257 ; damage by employees of, to 
Cape and Natal railways, 257 ; 
assets to be paid for, 258 ; re- 
ceipts and expenditure, 1896-99, 
259-60 ; comparative freights 
other South African systems, 
260 ; coal rates, 261 ; costs per 
train mile, 261 ; proposed reduc- 
tion in tariffs, 261 ; expropria- 
tion, 262 ; actual and reasonable 
profits, 263 ; Pretoria-Pietersburg, 
capital and results, 264 ; traffic, 
265 ; Government shares and 
liabilities, 284 ; Ermelo. 265 ; 
Selati, 167 ; Vryheid, 267 ; 
general policy, 267-69 ; influence 
on land values, 270 ; extensions 
in Zoutpansberg, 271 ; capital- 
ised value, 278 ; revenue, 278 ; in 
Orange River Colony, 333 
Rand (see also Witwatersrand and 
Johannesburg districts), Hatch 
and Chalmers on, 20 ; Dr. F. H. 
Hatch on, 33, 275, 371 ; T. 
Reunert on value, 20 ; men fallen 
in War, 209 n. ; Mines Limited, 
24-25 ; Mines Deep, 23 ; water 
supply and rainfall, 140; esti- 
mated production in seventy 
years, 276 ; statistics of mines, 
342-55 ; values of sections, 

356-65 
Rand Central Ore Reduction Com- 



pany, 122, 237 
Randfontein, 43, 356 



INDEX 



433 



Recommendations re Transvaal 

districts, 390-91 
Reefs, possibility of new, 38 
Refugee Committee, 405-1 1 
Reunert, T., estimate value of 

Rand, 20 
Revenue, Transvaal, 299, 316-20; 
railway, 278 : Orange River 
Colony, 336 ; of South African 
Republic from dividends, 283 
Rhodes, Right Hon. C. J., 161 
Rhodesian Gold Law, 89 
River system, Transvaal, 141 
Robinson Diamond mine, 330 
Robinson-Harcourt controversy, 43, 

299 
Rothschild loan, 284 
Rouliot, G., speech at Chamber of 
Mines annual meeting, 65 ; on 
taxation, 71 ; on mines import- 
ing goods direct, 243 
Royalties on dynamite, 134 
Rubies, 130 

Rustenburg district, copper, 124 ; 
bismuth, 128 ; nickel, 128 ; gra- 
phite, 128, 148 ; tobacco, 171 ; 
general, 390 



SALT production in Orange River 
Colony, 331 

Sanitary system of Johannesburg, 
298 

Saving to mines under new taxa- 
tion, 303 

Schneider, H. W., on railways, 
271 ; on imported produce, 384- 

398 

Schuller Diamond mine, 118 

Sections of Witswatersrand values, 
16, 17, 18, 28, 29, 340-55 ; geo- 
logical, 372-77 

Selati Railway, 267 

Settlement on land, 197, 200, 201, 
204 

Seymour, the late L. J., on cost of 
developing deep-level mines, 27 



Sheba mine, 48 

Sheep, 162, 323, 326 

Silver, 121 

Silver-lead, 122 

Smith, Hamilton, estimate value 
of Rand, 20 

"Sorting," description of, 19 ;/. 

South Village Deep, 23 n. 

Standerton district, 153, 385 

Stewart, D. S. S., on Murchison 
gold-belt, 55 

Stores, prices of, 242 ; importation 
by mines, 243 

Sugar, 165, 169 

Swaziland, gold, 50 ; gold possi- 
bilities, 51 ; tin, 125 ; removal 
of monopolies and settlement, 
378-81 



Tariffs, import, 251 ; reduction, 
252 

Taxation, 224 ; natives, 228 ; land, 
188, 305, 328 ; native hut, 305 ; 
death-duties, 305-6 ; transfer 
duty, 306 ; of new capital, 306 ; 
of profits from investments, 307 ; 
poll-tax, 308 ; of dynamite, 308 

Telegraphs, Transvaal value, 284, 
301 

Temperature deep-levels, 27 

Thabina Company's plantations, 
167, 173, 175 

Tin, 125 

Tobacco, 168, 170, 388 

Townships, 189 

Transvaal, general, y-y ; gold (Wit- 
watersrand), 9-38 ; gold (Greater 
Rand), 39-57 ; gold (Quartz-reef 
districts), 58-83 ; Gold Law, 84- 
98 ; Bewaarplaatse)i,ik.Q., 99-104 ; 
coalfields, 105-13 ; diamonds and 
other minerals, 114-32; dyna- 
mite, 133-37 ; land, 138-94 ; and 
Orange River Colony immigra- 
tion, 195-205 ; Uitlanders, 206- 
213; Boers, 214-25; natives, 

2 E 



434 



INDEX 



226-35 ; industry, 236-53 ; rail- 
ways, 254-71 ; resources and 
assets, 272-84 ; administration, 
285-98 ; fiscal policy and war 
debt, 299-321 ; share of war 
debt, 309, 313 ; budget, 1899, 
316-21 ; specimen budget, 1902-4, 
and 1905-14, 316-21 ; local pro- 
ducts imported, 3 94-9 5 ; sub- 
produce, 54, 165-73, 388, 3 8 9 
Transvaal Gold Mining Estates, 

45 
Truscott, S. J., on reef widths, 

21 
Turf Club borehole, 13 



Uitlander, effect of Gold Law 
upon, 64 ; people, 206-8 ; people, 
misrepresentation of, 206 ; popu- 
lation, 213; feeling towards 
Boers, 212 ; proportion of British, 
213 

Utrecht district, 151, 386 



Value, Witwatersrand goldfield, 
15-22, 37 ; do. market, 86 ; ofBe- 
waarfilaatsen, 99 ; of machinery, 
241, 284; of gold won, per ton, 
Rand companies, 1898 and 1899, 

342-55 
Venterskroon district, 44 

Vergunning claims, 60 
Victoria Gold Law, 89 
Victoria Regina silver mine, 121 
Village communities, 189-91 
Vryheid, goldfield, 56 ; district, 
155, 386; copper ore, 124 ; rail- 
way, 267 



Wages, 244 n., 274, 404 
Wakkerstroom district, 151, 385 
War, the, result of, 1 ; capitalists 
and, 64-66 ; Boer contribution to 
cost of, 223 ; cost of, 310-12 ; 



debt, 98, 309, 313 ; Orange River 
Colony, share of cost of, 313 

Water supply, 140 

Waterberg district, 146, 149, 389 

Werf rights, 60, 69, 79, 93 

Westfalia Company's plantations, 

167-73 
Wheat districts, 143, 163, 324 

Willows silver mine, 121 

Wilson, D. M., on agricultural and 
mineral possibilities of Trans- 
vaal, 383-91 

Wilson- Moore on Witwatersrand 
series, 1 1 ; on Zoutpansberg dis- 
trict, 54 ; on Murchison district, 

55 
Witwatersrand goldfield [see also 

Rand and Johannesburg), geolo- 
gical features, 10-11 ; exploration 
limits. 12 ; Professor Becker on, 
11; boreholes, 12, 13; deep 
levels, 12; value, 15-21, 37; 
number of claims, 22 ; outputs, 
15, 16 ; results of principal mines 
to 1897, 22 ; cost of equipment 
deep levels, 25 ; capitalisation of 
deep ground, 28-30 ; reduction 
of costs, 33-34 ; rate of produc- 
tion, 34-36 ; eastern extension, 
39-42 ; western extension, 42- 
44 ; capital of mines, 85 ; Bewaar- 
plaatsen and water rights on, 99- 

102 ; Government gold areas on, 

103 ; watershed, 142, 180; natives 
employed on, 228 ; drink traffic 
on, 229-33 ; prices on, 242 ; 
wages and stores, 244-45 ; rates 
for coal, 261 ; saving to mines 
under new Government, 272, 
274. 303 ; typical working costs, 
273 ; production and increased 
profits, 274, 275 ; estimated pro- 
duction in seventy years, 276 ; 
division of gold total, 277 ; com- 
parison between rich and poor 
mine, 301 ; taxation of profits, 
302 ; statement of claim areas, 



INDEX 



435 



capital reef data, values of gold 
won, and profits in 1 898 and 1 899, 
34 2 -55 '■> estimated gold and 
profit values, 356-65 ; progres- 
sive development, 367-71 ; de- 
scription of geological sections 
across, 372-77 ; employees and 
wages, 404 

Work on prospecting claims, 91 

Workable depths, 24, 27 

Working costs, 273 11. ; probable 



reduction, 17, 33, 274 ; probable 
incidence, 34, 303 

Yates, John, on deep level mining, 
27 

ZEERUST district, 121, 124, 125 
Zinc, 125 

Zoutpansberg, 9, 54, 123, 130, 143, 
146, 150, 171, 271 



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